Budapest Faces Decade-High Flooding Amid European Storm Crisis
The Danube River has surged to its highest water level in a decade in Budapest, following the onslaught of storm Boris which has caused widespread flooding across several regions in Europe. Recent images depict floodwaters reaching the steps of the city’s iconic parliament building, while other areas throughout the capital are also significantly impacted. As of Saturday, the water level in Budapest approached records set in 2013, before beginning to recede slowly.
Authorities had anticipated the rising water levels, allowing them to implement preventive measures in advance. Among these were strategic sandbag placements aimed at protecting vulnerable areas from inundation. "The last time it was this high, I was about 10 or 11 years old," recounted Beata Hargita, a 22-year-old student traversing central Budapest, which is grappling with the aftermath of the flooding. "Getting around the capital is a bit more cumbersome but manageable. I’m glad to see that things seem to be going reasonably well and in an orderly manner."
Sadly, the floods have claimed at least 24 lives across central and eastern Europe, with fatalities reported in Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania. These unfortunate events have led to extensive destruction, with numerous homes, agricultural fields, roads, and critical infrastructure, including railways, severely affected.
In light of the crisis, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has canceled all foreign travels this week, choosing instead to remain in the country to supervise emergency responses and flood protection efforts in Budapest. He underscored the significance of controlling the flooding as residents brace for what he described as "some tough days ahead."
Further north, in the town of Szentendre, approximately 25 kilometers from Budapest, locals have resorted to using canoes to navigate their flooded community. "The low-lying parts of our village are underwater," lamented 50-year-old Vilmos Nemet, a chef who was forced to change his daily routine due to the floods.
In response to the widespread devastation, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced on Thursday a pledge of ten billion euros in support for EU countries affected by the catastrophic flooding. This funding is equivalent to nearly 75 billion kroner and aims to assist in recovery efforts for the regions suffering from the deluge.
As Budapest and its surrounding areas grapple with this historic flood, the ongoing response will be critical in mitigating damage and supporting affected communities in their recovery.
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