Central and eastern Europe face severe flooding due to Storm Boris, heightening alert levels along the Danube.
- At least 16 fatalities reported with significant impacts in Romania, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
- Budapest prepares for potential flooding by distributing sandbags and closing roads near the Danube.
- The European river cruise industry is disrupted, with itinerary changes and cancellations likely.
- Emergency measures are in place in Poland, with financial aid promised and EU relief funds requested.
Central and eastern Europe are grappling with severe floods, intensifying concerns over the rising water levels of the Danube River. The torrential rains, attributed to Storm Boris, have resulted in at least 16 deaths across the region. Seven casualties have been confirmed in Romania, with other fatalities reported in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
Budapest, the Hungarian capital, is taking precautions against the risk of Danube flooding by deploying a million sandbags and shutting roads near the river. Warnings are in place along more than 300 miles of the Danube, a key waterway for Europe’s river cruise industry. The river’s water level is rising by approximately a metre every 24 hours.
The impact on the European river cruise sector is still unfolding, although itinerary alterations and cancellations appear inevitable. A cruise ship carrying 142 passengers, mostly Swiss nationals, has docked in Vienna due to the rising waters, according to Switzerland-based company Thurgau Travel.
In Bratislava, Slovakia, local media report that the Danube has flooded parts of the old town, with water levels exceeding 30 feet. Poland has declared a state of natural disaster, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk announcing the allocation of one billion zloty (£197 million) for flood victims. The government plans to apply for EU relief funds as well.
The Czech Republic’s travel advisories have been updated to extend beyond eastern Austria, now including parts of itself, Poland, and imposing evacuation orders. Travelers are urged to be aware of local conditions and comply with government instructions. The flooding has caused significant disruptions, impacting tram lines, road accessibility, and train services, with particular suspension between Budapest and Vienna.
The trajectory of Storm Boris suggests that the heavy rainfall will move southward, affecting parts of Italy, including the Emilia-Romagna region.
The floods have significantly impacted central and eastern Europe, prompting emergency responses and widespread disruptions.
