Severe flooding hits Central Europe, prompting mass evacuations

Severe flooding has impacted Central Europe, with heavy rains causing widespread destruction and prompting mass evacuations. The flooding began a week ago, leading to a rising death toll across the region. In the Czech Republic, the Interior Minister reported five deaths in the northeast, contributing to a total of 24 fatalities in the area, with eight individuals still missing. Poland and Romania each reported seven deaths, while Austria recorded five fatalities. In response to the crisis, military personnel have been deployed to assist in recovery efforts, particularly in the hardest-hit regions of the Czech Republic. They are working alongside firefighters to help residents with cleanup and recovery, utilizing army helicopters for humanitarian aid distribution and constructing temporary bridges where infrastructure has been compromised. Further south, Hungary is experiencing rising floodwaters, leading to the closure of roads, rail stations, and ferry services along the Danube River. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced the mobilization of nearly 6,000 professionals, including military and water authority members, to aid in flood preparations. Inmates have also been enlisted to help fill sandbags, showcasing the urgency of the situation. In Italy, approximately 1,000 residents were evacuated from the Emilia-Romagna region due to torrential rains and severe flooding. Local authorities advised residents to stay on upper floors or evacuate, as rivers overflowed in several provinces. The situation has led to suspended train services and school closures, with residents encouraged to work from home and avoid travel as the region grapples with the aftermath of the flooding.