- Severe floods in southwest Poland claimed one life, with over 1,600 evacuations in Klodzko County.
- A firefighter died in Austria as heavy rains battered Lower Austria, leading to disaster area declarations.
- Authorities in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Romania continue rescue efforts as rivers overflow and power outages persist.
Torrential rains across central Europe have caused severe flooding, leading to deaths and widespread evacuations.
In Austria, heavy rains resulted in the tragic death of a firefighter as they battled floodwaters in Lower Austria, which has since been declared a disaster area.
Devastating Floods Sweep Central Europe: Lives Lost, Thousands Displaced
Central Europe is reeling from severe floods caused by days of torrential rainfall, with fatalities and evacuations across multiple countries. In Poland’s Klodzko County, one person lost their life while over 1,600 residents were forced to evacuate as rivers overflowed. The deluge has left towns submerged, with the local river rising to 665 cm, far exceeding danger levels. Power outages have affected over 17,000 households, and access to key areas remains cut off.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, addressing the crisis, expressed concern over the unprecedented water levels and the damage caused. The last time the region experienced such severe flooding was in 1997, which claimed 56 lives. Authorities are working to reinforce flood defenses and evacuate people from high-risk areas. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the forecast for more rain in the coming days has heightened concerns.
In Austria, the floods claimed the life of a firefighter in Lower Austria, as rescue operations continued to counter the damage. Lower Austria, which borders the Czech Republic and Slovakia, has been declared a disaster zone by the government. Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler acknowledged the challenges faced by first responders in trying to control the flooding.
Across the Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria, authorities are scrambling to prevent further casualties and damage. In some areas, bridges and infrastructure are under threat, with rescue teams working tirelessly to stabilize critical points. More rain is expected, exacerbating an already dire situation, while local governments urge citizens to comply with evacuation orders.
As central Europe braces for continued rainfall, authorities are focused on minimizing further loss of life and protecting key infrastructure. The floods have left a trail of destruction, and rescue efforts remain critical in the coming days.
“Water can be a life-giver or a destroyer; in these floods, we’ve seen both its nurturing and devastating power.”
