At least eight people have died as central and eastern Europe experiences some of the heaviest rainfall in decades, leading to widespread flooding and disruption.
A slow-moving low-pressure system named Storm Boris has, in just a few days, dumped months’ worth of rain on several historic European capitals, including Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague.
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As of Monday, heavy rainfall continues to impact the region, with red alerts— the highest-level warning—still in effect for parts of Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovakia.
In Poland on Sunday, one person drowned in Klodzko County, and authorities advised evacuations in Moszczanka and Laka Prudnicka after a dam breach. In Austria, a firefighter died in the line of duty, according to reports.
Romania has also been severely affected, with two additional deaths reported on Sunday, following four fatalities on Saturday. Rescuers are working tirelessly to help hundreds stranded by the floods. Romania’s Interior Minister Cătălin Predoiu reported that the situation was most critical in seven localities, with 95 people rescued from their homes. Many victims were found dead in their houses or yards.
Approximately 5,400 homes have been damaged in the southeastern region of Galati, the hardest hit area. Residents of the village of Pechea described the devastation, with one woman lamenting the complete loss of her home and belongings.
Authorities in hard-hit areas are preparing for continued challenges, with reports indicating the heaviest rainfall in a century over the past 24 hours. Storm Boris is expected to gradually move south towards the Mediterranean, but flooding is likely to persist in already saturated areas.
Rivers have overflowed in Poland and the Czech Republic. In Klodzko County, southwest Poland, 1,600 people were evacuated as local rivers reached record levels and breached their banks. The town of Klodzko was partially submerged on Sunday.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the first drowning death in Klodzko County and warned that the situation remains severe, urging residents to heed evacuation orders. The government plans to declare a state of disaster and seek European Union assistance.
In the Czech Republic, the flooding has affected the entire country, with up to 80% of the city of Krnov submerged. More than 10,500 people have been evacuated, and local officials report that water levels are nearing critical points.
In Germany, flooding preparations are underway in southern and eastern states, with flood warnings issued for rivers in Saxony. Austria is also facing rising water levels, prompting rescue operations and state of emergency declarations in several municipalities.
The extreme weather events are linked to global climate change, which increases the likelihood and intensity of such occurrences. The World Weather Attribution initiative has linked recent heavy rainfall events to human-caused climate change, noting that these extreme conditions are expected to continue.
European Union leaders have extended their solidarity and offered assistance to the affected countries. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has expressed her condolences and support to the flood victims and their families.
