Across Central and Eastern Europe, devastating floods triggered by Storm Boris have led to widespread destruction and multiple fatalities. With rain pounding the ground since September 12, 2024, several countries, including Poland, Romania, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, have reported extreme weather conditions resulting in significant flooding.
On September 15, the situation became so severe in Poland's Nysa, where Mayor Kordian Kolbiarz urged all 44,000 residents to evacuate. He warned of imminent danger as there were fears of the local embankment collapsing, which could release torrents of water from nearby lakes. “Please evacuate your belongings, yourselves, your loved ones. It is worth getting to the top floor of the building immediately, because the wave may be several metres high,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Tragically, the death toll has been rising, with confirmed fatalities reaching at least 16 as of September 16. Among the victims, seven lives were lost in Romania, highlighting the storm's catastrophic impact across borders. Casualties also included fatalities recorded in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Reports indicate heartbreaking scenes—Romanians were seen wading through waist-deep water to reach safety, showcasing the desperation many face as their homes inundate.
Romania's mayor of Slobozia Conachi, Emil Dragomir, expressed the devastation, saying, “If you were here, you would cry instantly, because people are desperate; their whole lives' work is gone.” Thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes, some even from hospitals, as emergency services grapple with the overwhelming situation.
The floods impacted public infrastructure severely. Roads became unpassable, and train services were suspended across many regions, disrupting travel and commutes for countless people. Budapest announced closures on roads near the Danube, expecting worsening conditions as the river's levels continued to rise. Local officials even provided residents with sandbags to help fortify against potentially rising water levels, as the river was reported to be rising by about one meter daily.
Meanwhile, Hungary declared a state of emergency as the situation took hold. The mayor of Budapest provided one million sandbags to residents to guard against floodwaters, seeking to minimize damage. Rail services were cancelled between Budapest and Vienna, adding to the chaos as transportation systems struggled to cope with the crisis.
Conditions were similarly dire across the borders. The Czech Republic experienced intense rainfall, with 473 mm recorded as of September 12, corresponding to five times the expected monthly average. The Czech fire service assisted isolated villages with bottled water deliveries, urging residents not to drink contaminated tap water. Villages were submerged, forcing emergency evacuations.
Immediate government responses came forth, with Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk announcing the allocation of one billion zloty (around £197 million) for flood victims and committing to apply for EU relief funds. Similarly, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced €300 million (approximately £253 million) to assist recovery efforts, deploying armed forces to aid affected regions.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis referred to the situation as the effects of climate change manifesting through increasingly severe weather patterns. “We are again facing the effects of climate change, which are increasingly present on the European continent, with dramatic consequences,” he remarked, as the government rallied to assist thousands enduring the floods.
Storm Boris has been particularly notorious for its violent convergence of weather systems—cold air from the Arctic clashing with warm Mediterranean air due to distinctive atmospheric patterns. This unique mix resulted not only in unusual rainfall but also unprecedented weather patterns across multiple regions. Scientists are raising alarms about the increasing frequency of such storms as climate change advances, leading to more substantial rainfall and flooding events.
Despite reductions reported at flood levels, emergency preparations continued as fears remained high for additional rainfall predicted through the week. Storm Boris was projected to shift toward Italy, where it was expected to intensify and bring additional heavy rainfall, particularly to the Emilia-Romagna region, underscoring the pervasive threat of climate-induced disasters.
After enduring one of the worst weather weeks of the year, the impact of Storm Boris will linger long as recovery efforts need to ramp up. Emergency services and local authorities will be engaged for the foreseeable future, coordinating aid and relief for the recovering population. The situation continues to evolve as meteorologists closely monitor rainfall and subsequent weather patterns.
Many citizens throughout the conflict-ridden and disaster-stricken regions have expressed deep despair at the loss of their homes and livelihoods, made worse as recollections of previous disaster responses bring little solace. Local governments are working tirelessly, but the shadow of climate-induced extremities casts doubt around future weather predictions. Ukraine's offer to send rescuers equipped for flood scenarios has been noted by Polish authorities, exemplifying solidarity amid chaos. Through these challenges, the residents of Central and Eastern Europe are rallying together, seeking to recover from the immediate devastation.
