Death Toll Rises as Floods Force Mass Evacuations in Central Europe
September 15, 2024 — Central Europe is reeling from catastrophic floods after days of relentless heavy rain. The natural disaster has claimed numerous lives and displaced tens of thousands across Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania. Slovakia and Hungary brace for impact as record rainfall continues to batter the region.
A Region Underwater
The floods have led to tragic losses: six fatalities in Romania, and one each in Austria and Poland. In the Czech Republic, four individuals remain missing after being swept away by floodwaters. Authorities have declared the highest flood warnings in approximately 100 locations nationwide, with the northeastern regions near the Jeseniky Mountains among the hardest hit.
In the city of Opava, Czech Republic, up to 10,000 residents—almost one-fifth of the population—have been urged to evacuate to higher ground. “There’s no reason to wait,” Mayor Tomas Navratil warned, noting that the situation surpasses the devastating floods of 1997, known as the “flood of the century.”
Emergency Responses and Warnings
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized the urgency of saving lives as the flooding crisis unfolds. “We have to focus on saving lives,” he stated, cautioning that the worst is yet to come as floodwaters continue to move through the country. Meanwhile, President Petr Pavel expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that lessons learned from previous disasters could mitigate the impact.
Mass evacuations are underway in other towns as well, including Krnov and Cesky Tesin. Major infrastructure has been disrupted, with significant traffic interruptions and train services halted in affected regions. Approximately 260,000 households are without power, and numerous roads, including the major D1 highway, are impassable.
Austria Declares Disaster Zone
In Austria, a firefighter tragically lost his life while assisting with flood relief efforts in Lower Austria, which has been declared a disaster zone. Over 10,000 relief personnel have evacuated 1,100 homes, and emergency accommodation is being established for displaced residents. The municipality of Lilienfeld, home to approximately 25,000 people, has been completely cut off due to the floods. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer reported that the situation “continues to worsen,” with dams beginning to burst under the pressure of rising waters.
Poland and Romania Grapple with Rising Waters
Poland faces a “dramatic” situation, particularly around the town of Klodzko near the Czech border. Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported one person presumed dead and described severe flooding that has submerged streets and homes. Helicopters have been deployed for rescue operations, and further floodwaves are expected.
Romania has also reported additional casualties, with authorities confirming more deaths in the eastern county of Galati following unprecedented rainfall.
Climate Change and Future Implications
The severe weather follows an unusually hot September, marking Earth’s hottest summer on record. Scientists attribute the increased intensity of rainfall to a hotter atmosphere driven by human-induced climate change. As the region grapples with the immediate impacts of the disaster, these events underscore the broader challenges posed by a changing climate—a concern that resonates globally, including across Asia, where similar extreme weather events have had profound effects.
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Death toll rises as rains, floods force evacuations in Central Europe
cgtn.com
