Katie DalyUpdated on: October 12, 2024 9:50 am GMT
As central Europe grapples with widespread flooding, the mayor of Nysa, Poland, has issued an urgent evacuation order for the town’s 44,000 residents. Local authorities are concerned about the potential breaching of an embankment that could unleash a torrent of water from a nearby lake, exacerbating an already dire situation caused by Storm Boris.
Flooding Crisis in Nysa
Nysa Mayor Kordian Kolbiarz has urged residents to find higher ground to ensure their safety. “Please evacuate your belongings, yourselves, your loved ones,” he stated, emphasizing the gravity of the circumstances. He warned that the predicted wave could reach several meters high, putting the entire town at risk of severe flooding.
This appeal comes amid a broader crisis as floodwaters wreak havoc across central Europe. The death toll has risen to at least 16, with fatalities reported in Romania, Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
Government Response
In response to the escalating crisis, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared a state of natural disaster and announced a commitment of one billion zloty (£197 million) for flood relief efforts. Additionally, Poland plans to apply for European Union (EU) assistance to support affected regions.
- State of Emergency: Poland has declared a national natural disaster.
- Financial Aid: 1 billion zloty allocated for flood victim assistance.
- EU Relief: Plans to seek EU funds to further support recovery.
Conditions Across the Region
While some areas in Poland report receding water levels, others remain on high alert. In Slovakia, flooding in the Old Town area of Bratislava has raised water levels of the Danube River to over 9 meters (30 feet) with expectations of further increases. Local authorities are taking preventative measures, distributing sandbags to residents for protection.
Meanwhile, Budapest is shutting down roads near the Danube as a precautionary measure. The city’s mayor has offered one million sandbags to residents as the river currently rises at a rate of one meter per day.
Ongoing Challenges in Other Affected Countries
Central Europe is collectively battling the fallout from this catastrophic weather event:
- Czech Republic: Northeastern town Jesenik experienced 473mm (19 inches) of rainfall since Thursday—five times the average monthly total. Authorities are distributing bottled water to residents, cautioning them against using tap water due to contamination risks.
- Austria: In St. Polten, record-breaking rainfall over four days has surpassed that of the wettest autumn in 1950. The Austrian government mobilized armed forces to aid in recovery efforts and allocated €300 million (£253 million) for restoration.
- Romania: Flooding has devastated villages in eastern Romania, with local officials describing scenes of desperation. Emil Dragomir, mayor of Slobozia Conachi, shared heartbreaking accounts of families losing everything they have built.
Additional Safety Measures
As the storm continues to impact the region, authorities are taking further steps to safeguard citizens:
- Evacuations: Thousands have already been evacuated in Poland, including patients and staff from hospitals.
- Transportation: Train services have been suspended in many areas, including routes between Budapest and Vienna.
- Transportation Disruptions: Some tram lines will be closed in Budapest, and major roads along the river will remain shut.
Local Heroes and Community Support
Despite the overwhelming challenges, community members and local governments are stepping up to support one another. Volunteers are assisting with evacuations and organizing relief supplies. The sentiment of solidarity is palpable as people come together to confront the disaster.
Visual Response to the Crisis
Video footage from various parts of Poland showcases the gravity of the flooding. Many city streets that were submerged just days ago are now clear, showing glimpses of recovery. Officials, however, remain vigilant, closely monitoring river levels and weather forecasts.
Conclusion
Storm Boris is still causing problems in central Europe, especially in Nysa, Poland. Local leaders and the Polish government are working hard to help people evacuate and give emergency aid. The community is showing great strength during this tough time. They are also getting help from the EU to support their recovery efforts. Right now, keeping everyone safe is the most important thing as the people of Nysa and nearby areas deal with this difficult situation.
