Severe flooding hits Central Europe, prompting mass evacuations
- Heavy rains in Central Europe have caused severe flooding, leading to a rising death toll and mass evacuations.
- Military and emergency services are mobilized to assist in recovery efforts, including humanitarian aid distribution and infrastructure repairs.
- The situation has prompted regional leaders to convene and coordinate responses to the ongoing crisis.
Severe flooding has impacted Central Europe, with heavy rains beginning a week ago leading to significant destruction. The death toll has risen to 24 in the northeast Czech Republic, with additional fatalities reported in Poland, Romania, and Austria. Authorities are actively searching for eight missing individuals in the Czech Republic. In response to the crisis, military personnel have been deployed to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts, including the distribution of humanitarian aid and the construction of temporary bridges. In Hungary, floodwaters are rising, prompting the closure of roadways, 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 prepare for further flooding. Inmates have also been enlisted to help fill sandbags, showcasing the urgency of the situation. Italy has not been spared, with around 1,000 residents evacuated in the Emilia-Romagna region due to torrential rains and flooding. Local authorities have advised residents to stay on upper floors or evacuate as rivers overflowed in several provinces. Schools have closed, and train services have been suspended, further complicating the situation for those affected. As the crisis unfolds, government leaders from the impacted regions are convening to address the challenges posed by the flooding. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to manage the disaster and support affected communities as they begin the recovery process.