Five dead in eastern Romania due to severe rainstorms
- At least seven people have died due to severe flooding across eastern and central Europe, with Romania and the Czech Republic being the hardest hit.
- In Romania, five fatalities were reported, and tens of thousands of homes were damaged, leaving many without power.
- Authorities across the affected regions are on high alert as more rainfall is expected, highlighting the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness.
Severe rainstorms have caused widespread flooding across eastern and central Europe, leading to at least seven fatalities and significant property damage. Romania has been particularly affected, with five deaths reported and around 5,000 homes damaged in Galati county. The flooding has left 25,000 residents without power, prompting a response from Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, who emphasized the need to enhance preparedness for extreme weather events linked to climate change. In the Czech Republic, the situation is dire, with over a quarter of a million homes losing power due to heavy rainfall, which has reached up to 450mm in some areas. Evacuations have been ordered in towns like Opava, where the flooding is being compared to the catastrophic floods of 1997. Authorities are on high alert as more rain is expected, raising concerns about further casualties and damage. Austria has also declared 24 villages as disaster zones, with emergency services bracing for challenging conditions. The state governor has warned of unprecedented challenges in flood protection efforts. In Vienna, flood relief channels are being tested as the region anticipates significant rainfall in the coming days. Poland is experiencing similar issues, with authorities urging residents to prepare for potential power outages and food shortages. The Prime Minister described the situation as dramatic, particularly in the town of Klodzko, where rising waters have overwhelmed local infrastructure. Moldova is also facing adverse weather conditions, with forecasts indicating continued rainfall across the region.