The death toll from extreme flooding in central and eastern Europe has risen to at least 15 after rivers burst their banks following torrential rain brought by Storm Boris. #CentralEuropeFlooding
Six people died in Romania, and five reportedly died in Poland. This flooding is the worst to hit the continent in at least two decades.
Three people died in Austria: one firefighter was killed over the weekend, and two people drowned in their homes, Reuters reported.
One person has also drowned in a stream close to the town of Bruntal in the north-east of the Czech Republic, with seven people missing.
Border areas between the Czech Republic and Poland hit hard. Conditions have stabilised in some areas but others are bracing themselves for more destruction as water levels continue to rise.
Surging water levels caused some bridges to collapse, forcing evacuations and damaging cars and houses.
Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, declared a state of natural disaster and said 1 billion złoty (£197m) would be allocated to help flood victims. On Monday morning the Polish government held an emergency meeting to discuss the response to the floods.
In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his country was ready to help its neighbours. He added that water levels were rising in his nation and the situation was being closely monitored.
Around 420 schools across four provinces in Poland had been closed, according to education minister Barbara Nowacka. In the town of Nysa a hospital was evacuated. Rescue teams helped people leave their homes.
Moreover, Central Europe flooding is expected to continue, with forecasts predicting further rainfall. As a result, preparations are intensifying to minimize additional damage and protect vulnerable populations. Emergency services are working tirelessly to strengthen defenses and ensure rapid response to any new incidents. #CentralEuropeFlooding
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