Flood in Italy
Photo: REUTERS.
After an extremely dry summer, large amounts of rain suddenly hit central Europe in mid-September. Storm Boris hit most EU countries at once last Friday. At first, Europeans were even happy: rain had finally started. But “Boris” was seriously furious. 22 people have already died as a result of the rampant disaster. And, according to the emergency services, this is only the beginning. For example, in Hungary, flooding is expected to peak next weekend.
Flood in Italy
Photo: REUTERS.
At first, German meteorologists called the storm coming from the north “Annet”. But the name did not stick. Later, the unbridled elements were given a “traditional Russian name” – “Boris”. Since 1984, international meteorologists have called all the most destructive storms this way.
According to the British BBC, in Italy the current “Boris” took 50 regions of the country by surprise. The National Civil Defence Service warned citizens about the high risk of landslides and floods.
Flood in Poland
Photo: REUTERS.
In the Czech Republic, more than 15,000 people have already been evacuated, also due to the worst flooding in 27 years. In neighbouring Poland, 5,000 soldiers have been sent to help the inhabitants of the affected voivodeships. 40,000 people have been evacuated from the flooded areas.
Flood in Poland
Photo: REUTERS.
The water level in the Danube has risen considerably. The flooding is expected to peak on Saturday – up to 8.5 metres. The centre of the Hungarian capital has already been flooded. Including the beautiful parliament building. Many government offices have been evacuated to the local stadium. Budapest has also limited the operation of some metro stations and changed the routes of ground public transport. The closure of key roads has begun.
Flood in Hungary
Photo: REUTERS.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has also postponed several of his international trips due to the floods. In particular, his speech to the European Parliament has been postponed to a later date. He stressed that the country’s authorities are preparing for the consequences of the disaster alone, without the support of the European Union.
Flood in Hungary
Photo: REUTERS.
“Civilized” Europe could not do without looters. In Poland alone, 10 people were arrested. In addition to thefts in the evacuation zone from empty shops and residential buildings, a case of robbery of rescue workers was recorded in Wroclaw.
Flood in Hungary
Photo: REUTERS.
No expert can yet say what the final damage from a natural disaster will be. According to the most conservative estimates, we are talking about around 10 billion euros.
