David Powell
Updated on: October 11, 2024 9:25 pm GMT
Storm Boris has unleashed unprecedented flooding across Central and Eastern Europe, leading to tragic consequences, including the death of a firefighter in Austria and multiple drownings in Poland and Romania. As communities grapple with the devastation, authorities are urging residents to evacuate affected areas and remain vigilant as extreme weather conditions persist.
Fatalities and Emergencies across the Region
The toll of Storm Boris has intensified in recent days, with confirmed fatalities in multiple countries. In Austria’s Lower Austria province, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner announced the death of a firefighter who drowned while attempting to pump out a flooded cellar. This province has now been officially declared a disaster area, a reflection of the widespread chaos wrought by the storm. “The storm situation has worsened in the last few hours… The storm situation in the federal states is very serious,” stated Chancellor Karl Nehammer via social media.
In Poland, the Ministry of Defence reported a bridge collapse in Stronie Slaskie, with a large wave of water rapidly sweeping through the region. Soldiers assisting with evacuation efforts found themselves cut off from land routes, prompting the deployment of an Mi-17 helicopter for rescue operations. The situation has escalated with reports of multiple homes being destroyed after torrential rains breached a dam, sending surging waters through the town.
Meanwhile, Romania confirms that a fifth person has perished in flood-related incidents in the southeastern region of Galati, where prior deaths occurred in the same area over the weekend. Rescuers continue to work tirelessly as floodwaters rise.
Widespread Impact and Evacuations
The flooding has left tens of thousands without power across the region. In the Czech Republic, thousands of residents in the eastern part of the country have been ordered to evacuate as rivers overflow and rainwater inundates streets. As of Sunday morning, around 200,000 individuals experienced power outages, while several people remain unaccounted for, triggering serious concerns among local leaders.
At a press briefing, Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Interior Minister Vit Rakusan emphasized the critical need for residents to heed evacuation orders. “All efforts now would be concentrating on preventing any loss of life,” said Rakusan.
In the northern Czech Republic, towns have been severely impacted. Videos show streets turned into torrents and homes being swept away, especially in the town of Lipova Lazne. Authorities remain on high alert, anticipating more rain and worsening conditions.
Regional Responses and Assistance
Responses to the flooding vary by country, but cooperation among governmental agencies is evident as authorities deploy significant resources to assist affected populations. In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk authorized the use of Starlink satellite technology to restore internet access in the Kłodzko area, where over 1,600 residents have been evacuated. A Blackhawk helicopter has also been dispatched to rescue individuals trapped on rooftops.
In contrast, the situation remains dire in the Silesian spa town of Jesenik, which has reportedly been completely isolated due to floodwaters. Mayor Zdenka Blistanova expressed concerns for those who refused to evacuate, stating, “Those who had refused calls by the authorities to evacuate were now stranded.” While local emergency services struggle to navigate rising waters, residents are being advised to move to upper floors of their homes for safety.
Infrastructure Disruptions
The storm has wreaked havoc on transportation networks, disrupting both road and rail services. Austrian Railways have suspended train operations between Vienna and Linz as flooding compromises the integrity of transportation routes. The A1 western motorway near St Pölten has also been closed, with sections of the Vienna underground shut down due to the rising Wienfluss river.
In Poland, the destruction of a bridge in Stronie Slaskie has rendered some areas inaccessible, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. Officials continue to make pleas for residents to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel.
Looking Ahead
With rainfall continuing to pose a threat and forecasts suggesting additional precipitation, the regional outlook remains grim. Authorities are preparing for further assessments as conditions evolve, hoping to stabilize the situation and prevent additional loss of life.
Given the severity of Storm Boris, officials across Central and Eastern Europe are working round the clock to ensure safety, restore order, and provide necessary assistance to those affected by the relentless flooding. As communities band together in the face of disaster, the full extent of the storm’s impact will likely unfold in the coming days, with ongoing recovery efforts expected to take considerable time and resources.
Things are still changing, and we expect to get more updates as new information comes in.
