Severe flooding in Central and Eastern Europe causes deaths and damage

Central and Eastern Europe is on high alert following severe flooding. The disaster, caused by heavy rain and rising river levels, has affected Romania, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria. In Romania, five people have died, while in the Czech Republic, many individuals are missing. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed a drowning death, and an Austrian firefighter has also lost their life while responding to the floods. Storm Boris has led to widespread flooding, with many villages submerged in Romania, including 700 homes in a village in the Galati region. The Czech Republic has seen evacuations and significant power outages in the northern regions. Austria's Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler reported that a firefighter died during flood response efforts, and authorities have declared the area around Vienna a disaster zone. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stated that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent in Europe, with dramatic consequences. He highlighted that climate change is causing more intense rainfall across Europe and the world, as a warmer atmosphere retains more moisture, leading to heavier precipitation. In Poland, the mayor of Glucholazy in the Opole region reported that the river has overflowed, flooding the town, and urged residents to evacuate to higher ground. In Krakow, sandbags are being used to protect against the floods. In the Czech Republic, a dam burst in the South Bohemia region on Saturday, and Environment Minister Petr Hladik warned that residents in the worst-hit areas should prepare for evacuation. He noted that the ground is saturated, increasing the risk of flash floods, with rain expected to continue until Tuesday.