Storms devastating central Europe have now reached Italy, prompting warnings of heavy rainfall, high winds, and potential floods in various regions. Pescara in Italy has already seen flooding, with weather alerts stretching from the northern coast of Emilia-Romagna to the southern tip. This comes as neighbouring countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria have experienced severe flooding, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 21 lives. Authorities in Croatia, Hungary, and Slovakia are issuing further flood warnings as similar conditions are anticipated. Storm Boris has brought heavy rain and snowfall over the weekend, leading to widespread flooding. Over 5,000 troops are aiding residents in southern Poland, with 40,000 people evacuated from their homes.
As floodwaters recede in some areas, they continue to rise in others, revealing the devastation in Polish towns like Glucholazy. The main bridge in Glucholazy has collapsed due to river erosion, and the streets are covered in layers of mud. Polish authorities have confirmed six fatalities and debunked false reports of a higher death toll. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declared a state of natural disaster for a month, with Wroclaw expected to face the worst flooding on Wednesday. Significant rainfall has been recorded across southern Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro, with the Czech-Polish border areas severely affected.
Water levels are rising rapidly along the River Danube in Slovakia and Hungary, with Bratislava and Budapest preparing for potential flooding. Emergency services, volunteers, and in some cases, the army are working tirelessly to protect vulnerable settlements. In Croatia, the Meteorological and Hydrological Service warns of an “extremely rare” surge in water levels, with plans in place to erect flood barriers if necessary. Italy’s National Civil Protection Service has issued yellow alerts for nearly 50 regions, cautioning about storms, landslides, and floods. Romania is facing additional rain in the eastern Carpathians, posing a threat to areas already impacted.
Climate scientists have long warned of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events in many parts of the world, including central Europe. As the planet warms, such events are becoming more common. Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding situation.