Budapest and Wroclaw in Poland strengthen river banks in preparation for additional floods in central Europe

In Central Europe, heavy flooding due to ongoing heavy rainfall has led to widespread destruction and loss of life. Countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria have been significantly impacted, with at least 16 reported deaths. Military helicopters have been utilized to drop sandbags along river embankments to reinforce them, while residents have been evacuated in the affected regions.

Efforts are underway to prepare for potential flooding in other areas, including Budapest, Hungary, and Wroclaw, Poland. In Budapest, authorities have closed lower quays in anticipation of rising waters, and in Wroclaw, firefighters and soldiers are working tirelessly to fortify river embankments. The city zoo in Wroclaw has also requested volunteers to help fill sandbags to protect the area from flooding.

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has deployed soldiers to bolster barriers along the Danube, and volunteers are assisting with sandbag filling in riverside settlements. Meanwhile, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declared a state of natural disaster in southern Poland, where the flood situation remains critical.

In the Czech Republic, the government has approved the deployment of 2,000 troops to aid in cleanup efforts after the waters have begun to recede in the hardest-hit regions. The damage is expected to amount to billions of euros, with efforts also focused on organizing regional elections amidst the devastation.

Despite the challenges, communities have come together to fight against the floodwaters. In the town of Nysa, Poland, thousands of residents formed a human chain to pass sandbags and protect their homes. The resilience and unity displayed in the face of this natural disaster highlight the strength and solidarity of the affected regions.