The Death Toll from Flooding in Central Europe Reaches 17

Following the aftermath of the "worst flooding in over two decades" in Central Europe, several residents from border areas of Poland and the Czech Republic were moved to safety, while other flood-affected countries in the continent continue to grapple with the consequences of the floods. Reuters reported on Monday evening, September 16, that the death toll from the flooding in Central Europe has reached at least 17. According to this report, in the recent floods, seven people died in Romania, four in Poland, three in the Czech Republic, and three in Austria. Heavy rainfall that began last week has damaged areas on both sides of the Poland-Czech border, and according to Reuters, rising river levels have led to the collapse of some bridges, damage to homes and vehicles, and the evacuation of residents in these areas. The mayor of Nysa, a city with a population of over 40,000 in southern Poland, announced on Monday evening that the flood defenses in the affected area have been compromised and urged residents to evacuate the city immediately. In the city of Ostrava, in northeastern Czech Republic, the breaking of a dam on the Odra River caused flooding in the industrial area of the city, affecting several chemical factories; hundreds of other residents were also evacuated from these areas. Approximately 70% of the city of Litovel in the Czech Republic was facing flooding up to one meter high by Monday, and residents of this city are concerned about the rising water levels. In Jesenik, a city in the Czech Republic near the Polish border that was inundated on Sunday, the level of damaged vehicles and debris from the floods became apparent as the water receded on Monday. Reuters quoted a resident of this city stating that many vehicles were damaged and that water, electricity, and phone services remain cut off. However, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated on Monday after visiting Jesenik, "We have passed the hardest stage and now we must address the extensive damage caused by the floods." In Poland, the government has declared a state of natural disaster in the flood-affected areas and announced the allocation of one billion zlotys, equivalent to 260 million dollars, to assist the victims. Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland, stated on Monday that he is in contact with leaders of other flood-affected countries in the region and they will request financial assistance from the European Union. In Romania, the mayor of Slobozia Conachi, a city in the east of the country, stated on Monday that some flood victims in this area have only the clothes they are wearing left as their possessions. Meanwhile, several Central European countries have stated they are preparing for a second wave of flooding. Officials in Wrocław, a city in Poland with a population of about 600,000, announced they are strengthening flood defenses and barriers in the region. Officials in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, and Budapest, the capital of Hungary, have also reported preparations for potential flooding due to rising levels of the Danube River. According to Sandor Pintér, Hungary's Minister of the Interior, 12,000 soldiers are on standby to assist. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has also stated that he has canceled his foreign trips, including a Wednesday trip to the European Parliament. Austrian officials have also indicated they are preparing for a second wave due to forecasts of heavy rainfall.