A devastating flood wave has ravaged central Europe, leaving at least 24 people dead and billions of dollars in damages in its wake. Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria have been severely affected, with widespread destruction and displacement reported.
In Poland, the city of Wroclaw, the country’s third-largest city, braced for peak flood waters on Thursday, with early indications suggesting its defenses were holding firm. Prime Minister Donald Tusk cautioned against premature optimism, stating, “It is too early to announce that the flood in Wroclaw has been overcome.”
The Polish army has deployed 16,000 soldiers to assist in the region, alongside police and thousands of volunteers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit Wroclaw to discuss aid for the affected regions with Tusk and other leaders.
The Czech Republic has reported five deaths, with damages expected to run into billions of euros. Hungary is also battling rising waters, with Prime Minister Victor Orban assuring that the country will mount a successful defense against the flood.
In a disturbing development, Polish authorities are searching for a fake soldier spreading false information about the floods. Tusk warned against believing such rumors, emphasizing that there are no plans to blow up flood defenses.
Flood Toll:
- 24 deaths reported across central Europe
- Billions of dollars in damages
- 16,000 Polish soldiers deployed for assistance
- European Commission President to visit Wroclaw for aid discussions
Affected Regions:
- Poland (Wroclaw, Polish-Czech border)
- Czech Republic
- Romania
- Austria
- Hungary (Danube River)
