The death toll from Storm Boris has risen to 22 across central Europe, as authorities reported more casualties in Poland and Austria on Tuesday.
Since last week, high winds and unusually heavy rainfall have battered regions of Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. The severe weather has led to widespread flooding, damaging infrastructure, and displacing communities.
While weather conditions have started to stabilize in some areas, the saturated ground and overflowing rivers continue to pose significant risks. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as floodwaters persist.
In Poland, the cities of Opole in the south and Wroclaw in the west are bracing for incoming flood waves amid concerns that local dykes may fail under the pressure. The situation remains critical as emergency services work tirelessly to reinforce flood defenses and evacuate vulnerable populations.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Tuesday an increase in government aid for storm-affected regions, bringing the total assistance package to 2 billion zloty (approximately $520 million). “We are committed to providing all necessary support to the communities impacted by this devastating storm,” Tusk stated during a press conference.
The Polish police reported three additional fatalities due to Storm Boris, raising the country’s death toll to seven. Police Chief Marek Boron shared the updated figures during a televised crisis meeting, expressing deep condolences to the families of the victims.
Among the latest victims were two individuals discovered in the southwestern district of Klodzko. “The body of an 82-year-old man was found in a car,” district police spokeswoman Wioletta Martuszewska reported. “A couple of hours later, mountain rescue services recovered the body of a man near a riverbed,” she added.
Although there are unofficial reports of more victims, authorities cautioned against the dissemination of unverified information. “We ask everyone not to report false information about the number of flood victims in the media,” the Polish police urged on X, formerly known as Twitter.
In Austria, one more fatality was reported, contributing to the rising death toll. Emergency responders continue to navigate challenging conditions to reach isolated areas and provide aid to those in need.
The impact of Storm Boris highlights the vulnerability of central European regions to extreme weather events. As climate patterns shift, such storms may become more frequent, necessitating enhanced preparedness and cross-border cooperation to mitigate future disasters.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
