- Poland, Czech Republic, and Austria among worst-hit by Storm Boris floods.
- Death toll rises, with evacuations underway and states of emergency declared.
- Governments pledge financial aid for relief and recovery efforts.
Storm Boris has caused widespread destruction across Central Europe, with several countries battling heavy rainfall and flooding. In Poland, four people have died, and emergency services are working around the clock to protect vulnerable areas, especially in the southern town of Nysa.
Austria is also severely affected, with four people dead and thousands without power in Lower Austria. The Austrian government has pledged €300m in flood relief.
Storm Boris Triggers Catastrophic Flooding Across Central Europe
Central Europe is facing its worst flooding in years due to the relentless downpour from Storm Boris. In Poland, four people have died, and towns in the south, particularly Nysa, have been forced to take emergency measures. The government has declared a state of disaster and allocated significant funds to mitigate the crisis, with relief efforts focusing on shoring up embankments and evacuating residents.
The Czech Republic is similarly impacted, with 13,000 people displaced from their homes and a state of emergency declared in two regions. Prime Minister Petr Fiala has deployed thousands of professional and volunteer firefighters, along with 2,000 soldiers, to assist with rescue operations and repair infrastructure, especially bridges. Seven countries, including Ukraine, have offered assistance.
Austria has also seen devastating effects, with four fatalities reported and widespread damage to infrastructure in Lower Austria. Thousands of households are without electricity and water. The Austrian government has set aside €300m for flood recovery, as the country braces for further challenges in the coming days.
In Slovakia and Hungary, the River Danube is rapidly rising, triggering flood warnings in both countries. Slovakia has already experienced record-high water levels, with some areas seeing water heights over 9 meters. Hungary is closely monitoring the situation, as flooding is expected to worsen, threatening to overwhelm more regions if conditions do not improve.
As Storm Boris continues to batter Central Europe, governments are intensifying relief efforts, but the road to recovery will be long. The region must brace for further challenges as floodwaters rise, particularly along the Danube River.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King
