Storm Boris Batters Central Europe: A Race Against Time for Missing Persons and Flood Survivors
Authorities are desperately searching for missing persons in Central Europe following the devastating impact of Storm Boris. Over the weekend, several rivers across the region overflowed their banks due to relentless downpours. As the situation escalates, rain continues to pound many areas, amplifying risks and complicating rescue efforts.
In the Czech Republic, one of the worst-hit nations, the situation has reached alarming levels where it is reported that enough rain has fallen in three days to equal three months' worth of precipitation. Tragedy has already struck with one confirmed drowning in a river near Bruntál, a town in northeastern Czech Republic, while at least seven others are reported missing.
The fallout from the storm has affected approximately 250,000 households in the country, leading to widespread power outages over the weekend. Aerial footage from drones reveals the extensive flooding in affected towns like Jesenik, highlighting the severity of the disaster.
Not only is the Czech Republic facing dire consequences, but neighboring countries including Austria, Slovakia, Romania, and Poland are also grappling with the turmoil inflicted by the storm. In Poland, one individual has drowned amid the chaos, according to police reports. The situation has seen thousands of firefighters, police officers, and soldiers mobilized to combat rising floodwaters, as noted by Polish Deputy Minister of Interior Czeslaw Mroczek.
Tragedy struck in Austria as well, where a firefighter lost their life during a rescue operation. In response to the disaster, the province surrounding Vienna has been declared a disaster zone. Meanwhile, Romania bears the brunt of the storm's fury with six fatalities reported over the weekend due to flooding.
In total, ten lives have been lost across the affected regions, marking this calamity as one of the worst storms Central Europe has encountered since 2002. The Red Cross has confirmed the devastating impact and continues to support recovery operations for those affected.
Heavy rainfall has caused significant rises in water levels in major rivers, including the Danube, which runs through ten countries and stands as Europe’s second-longest river. The threat is far from over, as meteorological forecasts predict sustained rain throughout Monday.
In response to the ongoing crisis, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is prepared to assist and support the victims of Storm Boris. As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on locating the missing and aiding those affected by this severe weather emergency.
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