Severe flooding has wreaked havoc in central and eastern Europe, claiming the lives of four people in Romania and prompting evacuations in Poland. The torrential rain has caused rivers to rise to dangerous levels, leading to a state of emergency in multiple countries.
In Romania, emergency services confirmed the tragic deaths of four individuals in the region of Galati, with dozens more rescued from their homes in various areas. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic has declared the highest flood alert in 38 locations, with Prague taking precautionary measures such as raising flood barriers and closing off embankments.
In Poland, Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak warned of a dangerous situation in towns near the Czech border, where river levels have exceeded safe limits. The country’s territorial army is on standby, with millions of sandbags stockpiled to mitigate potential flooding.
Austria is also facing extreme weather conditions, with heavy snowfall in the Tyrol region and record-breaking rainfall expected in various parts of the country. The Austrian storm warning center has issued alerts for possible flooding, landslides, and gale force winds.
The unprecedented weather patterns across Central Europe serve as a stark reminder of the increasing likelihood of extreme precipitation events due to climate change. As the region braces for more severe weather in the coming days, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.