Central Europe and Parts of Italy Face Ongoing Flooding from Heavy Rains

A significant flood wave moving through Central Europe has caused devastating impacts, claiming the lives of 24 people and raising alarm among local residents and officials. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen has scheduled a visit to the region in response to the ongoing crisis.

In the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, severe rainfall has led to flooding, resulting in the evacuation of around 1,000 individuals. Meanwhile, in Central Europe, the gradual receding of floodwaters has uncovered the extensive damage wrought by the exceptional rainfall that began a week ago.

In the Czech Republic’s northeast, a fifth fatality was reported, increasing the death toll in the country to five. The situation is similarly dire in Poland and Romania, where seven lives were lost in each country, while Austria has confirmed five deaths, bringing the overall casualty count in the affected nations to 24.

To assist with the recovery efforts, authorities have deployed troops. In the Czech Republic, soldiers are working alongside firefighters and emergency teams to aid in the aftermath of the floods. Army helicopters are delivering humanitarian aid, and soldiers are constructing temporary bridges to replace those that were washed away.

Currently, about 400 individuals are staying in evacuation centers in Ostrava, unable to return to their homes. In the southwest, near the Austrian border, the Luznice River has reached alarming levels, although officials have stated that an evacuation of residents in the town of Veseli nad Luznici has not yet been necessary.

Austria is also facing significant challenges as flooding has swept away roads and triggered landslides. Cleanup teams, including firefighters and soldiers, are working diligently to pump out water and mud from flooded homes and remove damaged furniture, according to local reports.

Lower Austria’s governor, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, has indicated that the reconstruction process may take years. In Vienna, the public transport authority has had to remove almost a million liters of water since the beginning of the rainfall.

As of Thursday, ten towns and regions remain inaccessible due to the flooding.

In Hungary, rising floodwaters have led to road closures and rail station shutdowns. Ferry services along the Danube River have been suspended, and flooding in Budapest has threatened tram and metro lines, forcing some transport services to cease operations.

In the Danube Bend region, homes and restaurants situated near the riverbanks have been affected. Officials and volunteers are actively placing sandbags to reinforce levees in vulnerable areas.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that nearly 6,000 personnel from various agencies, including military and water authority members, have been mobilized to assist with the flooding crisis. Inmates from local prisons have also been enlisted to help fill sandbags.

As of Thursday morning, the Danube reached a height of 771 centimeters, nearing the record of 891 centimeters set during the 2013 floods.

In southwestern Poland, the high waters are pressing down on the city of Wroclaw, with the advancing wave expected to take many hours or even days to pass. As of now, the Oder River’s water level just before Wroclaw is 6.4 meters, surpassing alarm levels but remaining significantly lower than levels seen during the catastrophic floods of 1997.

In the two towns most severely affected, Stronie Slaskie and Ladek-Zdroj, essential services like tap water and power have been restored, according to General Michal Kamieniecki, who is leading the recovery efforts.

As the situation escalates, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has invited von der Leyen to Wroclaw to witness the circumstances. Leaders from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria are also expected to join the visit.

In Italy, around 1,000 individuals were evacuated from the northern region of Emilia-Romagna after severe flooding and torrential rains struck overnight. Rivers overflowed in multiple provinces, prompting local authorities to advise residents to seek shelter on upper floors or vacate their homes entirely.

This area had previously experienced devastating floods in May 2023, when over 20 rivers overflowed, leading to 17 fatalities and causing extensive damage. Authorities reported two individuals missing in Bagnocavallo, located in the Ravenna province.

Approximately 800 residents in Ravenna and nearly 200 in Bologna province sought refuge in shelters, schools, and sports centers due to rising river levels. Additionally, school closures and suspended train services have been implemented, with a strong recommendation for residents to avoid unnecessary travel and work from home if possible.

Source: Associated Press