Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 12, 2024 3:13 am GMT
At least 10 people have lost their lives as centrally located European countries contend with catastrophic flooding, caused by the relentless downpour of Storm Boris. This unprecedented weather has resulted in over a month’s worth of rain falling in just a few days, severely impacting areas in Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.
Storm Boris’s Impact Across Central Europe
Storm Boris has wreaked havoc across several nations, forcing local authorities to declare emergencies and take drastic measures. The Polish government is set to declare a “state of disaster” due to extensive rainfall that has overwhelmed the southwestern regions of the country.
- Austria: Two residents, aged 70 and 80, were found dead after being trapped in their homes amid the flooding.
- Czech Republic: Thousands are without hot water and electricity as heating plants shut down. The city of Ostrava is notably affected, with emergency services mobilized to assist residents.
- Hungary: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reassured citizens in Budapest that authorities are equipped to manage the rising waters, particularly along the Danube River.
Recently, heavy rainfall caused eight dead in Austria, while two further fatalities were confirmed on Monday. Lower Austria governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner described the ongoing situation as “highly critical” and assured residents that emergency services remain active.
Situation in Poland and the Czech Republic
In Poland, the situation worsened on Monday, where patients from a local hospital in Nysa, including pregnant women, had to be evacuated due to flooding. The Polish army has managed to evacuate over 2,600 people from flood-affected areas in just the last 24 hours.
- The town of Klodzko has suffered significant flooding, with water levels reaching as high as 1.5 meters (5 feet).
- In the Czech Republic, particularly the town of Litovlje, 80% of buildings are submerged, as the Morava River is expected to crest later today.
Dramatic aerial photos depict extensive flooding in Klodzko, with one bridge rendering completely inaccessible due to the high waters.
Responses from Government Officials
As the floods continue to escalate, national leaders have sought to reassure the public regarding their safety and response measures.
- Poland: Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the military is on the ground assisting in evacuations.
- Hungary: Prime Minister Orbán stressed confidence in the country’s water management resources, promising that preparations are in place to handle the rising floodwaters.
- Slovakia: Authorities have initiated precautionary measures in Bratislava, warning citizens about the dangers posed by surging water levels in the Danube.
Long-Term Concerns About Climate Change
Experts warn that the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, like the current flooding in Europe, are likely to increase due to climate change. A 2021 analysis revealed that human-caused climate change has raised the likelihood of such devastating rainfall, which has already had deadly consequences in the past.
- The World Weather Attribution initiative concluded that extreme rainfall events will become more common in a rapidly warming climate.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates that warmer oceans contribute to the development of stronger storms, while a warmer atmosphere has the capacity to hold more moisture, leading to heavier rain.
Central Europe is working hard to recover from Storm Boris. The storm caused a lot of flooding, and many communities are struggling. This situation makes us think about how we can be better prepared for big storms like this in the future. It’s important to take steps now to help protect people and places from the effects of climate change.
