Storm Boris has wreaked havoc across Central and Eastern Europe, leading to tragic fatalities and widespread destruction. This severe weather event has claimed the lives of five individuals, with four deaths reported in Romania and one in Poland. The storm has resulted in significant flooding, particularly affecting the regions of Galati in Romania, Klodzko in Poland, and various parts of the Czech Republic and Austria. In Romania, rescue operations have been underway in the worst-hit areas, with thousands of homes impacted and many residents evacuated. The Romanian army has deployed rescue boats to assist those trapped by rising waters, especially in the village of Pechea, which has been severely affected by flooding. President Klaus Iohannis has expressed condolences to the bereaved families and highlighted the urgent need to address the growing impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.
In the Czech Republic, the situation is dire as police report four individuals missing, with many areas experiencing power outages and emergency evacuations. The region of Moravia has declared a state of emergency, and nearly 100,000 firefighters are on standby to respond to the crisis. The Environment Minister has warned that saturated soil conditions are exacerbating the flooding risk, making it difficult for rainwater to drain effectively. Meanwhile, in Slovakia, authorities have also declared a state of emergency as the storm continues to cause widespread disruption. Austria is facing its own challenges with strong winds and heavy rainfall, leading to road closures and rescue operations in the mountainous regions. The storm's impact has been felt across borders, with neighboring countries like Germany also experiencing flooding and landslides as a result of the severe weather conditions.
- The flooding in Romania has been particularly catastrophic, with reports indicating that up to 5,000 homes have been affected in the Galati region alone. Local officials describe the situation as a 'catastrophe of extraordinary magnitude,' recalling previous floods but noting that this event surpasses them in severity. Rescue operations are ongoing, and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is expected to visit the affected areas to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. In Poland, the situation remains precarious, with emergency services working tirelessly to manage evacuations and provide assistance to those affected by the flooding in the Klodzko region.
- In the Czech Republic, the police have reported that the flooding has led to the evacuation of many towns, with significant damage to infrastructure. Reports indicate that fallen trees and debris are obstructing roads and railways, complicating rescue efforts. The government has mobilized resources to assist affected communities, and emergency services are responding to numerous incidents across the country. Meanwhile, in Austria, the extreme weather has led to the closure of popular tourist sites, such as Schönbrunn Park, as a safety precaution. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to monitor the storm's progression and its impact on the region.
