Europe (Washington Insider Magazine) —At least 19 people have died due to flooding caused by Storm Boris in Central and Eastern Europe, with more torrential rain expected. Rivers overflowed in the Czech Republic, while the Danube rose alarmingly in Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Authorities report this is the worst flooding in two decades.
Border regions between the Czech Republic and Poland faced significant damage over the weekend, leading to collapsed bridges and destroyed homes. Seven deaths were reported in Romania, four in Poland, five in Austria, and three in the Czech Republic, with many still missing.
In the Czech Republic, a woman drowned near the Polish border, and seven others were reported missing. In Austria, emergency services discovered an 81-year-old woman dead in her flooded home. The city of Wroclaw in Poland is preparing for the Oder River to peak, while the government has declared a state of natural disaster and allocated funds for victims.
Reports indicate widespread devastation in towns like Klodzko, where residents are struggling to salvage belongings and appeal for food and clothing. Military helicopters are assisting flood response efforts in Poland, and communities are urged to prepare for more floods.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced the evacuation of over 13,000 people as authorities brace for additional rain. As conditions worsen, neighboring countries like Slovakia and Hungary may soon be affected by the lingering storm system.
