Storm Boris Unleashes Deadly Flooding Across Central Europe: Six Dead, Thousands Evacuated

Severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall across central and eastern Europe has claimed the lives of at least six people. The intense downpours, linked to Storm Boris, have led to widespread disruption, particularly in historic capitals such as Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague.

The region has experienced a month’s worth of rain in just a few days, and the downpour continued through Sunday, causing rivers to overflow and forcing evacuations in several areas.

In Poland, one person drowned in Klodzko County, while in Austria, a firefighter died during rescue operations. Four people also lost their lives in Romania, where extreme rainfall left hundreds stranded. Romanian Interior Minister Cătălin Predoiu reported that emergency services were deployed to seven critically affected areas, rescuing 95 people, but tragically, four were found dead in their homes or yards.

Poland has been particularly hard-hit, with 1,600 people evacuated in Klodzko County as rivers reached record-breaking levels. The town of Klodzko was partially submerged, with the Polish Prime Minister confirming the first death by drowning in the region. He also warned of the continued threat, noting that some residents had refused evacuation orders despite the ongoing danger.

In the Czech Republic, authorities have implemented mandatory evacuations in flood-prone areas, with emergency teams rescuing people who did not comply with evacuation orders.

Southern and eastern Germany, particularly in the state of Saxony, are also preparing for flooding, with river levels rising and warnings issued for the region. Austria has likewise been affected, with several rivers swelling and a state of emergency declared in parts of Lower Austria.

Red alerts have been issued across Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovakia, signaling the highest level of warning due to the severe weather. These warnings indicate the potential for major damage as the intense meteorological events continue to unfold. Rescue services remain on high alert as flooding is expected to persist, adding to the challenges facing the region.