Sun Sep 15 10:55:38 UTC 2024: ## Central Europe Batters by Heavy Rains, Floods Kill 8 and Disrupt Lives

**Berlin, Germany** – Days of torrential rain and gale force winds have wreaked havoc across central Europe, leaving at least eight people dead and tens of thousands without power. Rescue workers from Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Romania worked tirelessly over the weekend to rescue people from flash floods.

Lower Austria, surrounding Vienna, was declared a disaster area as floodwaters continued to rise, endangering a power station reservoir. Authorities reported record rainfall of up to 200 liters per square meter – an entire bathtub. “People here have never experienced anything as difficult as this,” said Lower Austrian governor Johanna Michl-Leitner.

The Wien river in Vienna turned into a torrent, flooding cellars. Public transport systems were disrupted, leading to suspended services. Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, declared a state of emergency, while in Hungary, the Danube river reached near record levels, nearing the 2013 high watermark.

Eastern Romania was also hard-hit, with at least four people dying in eight counties. Thousands were evacuated from flooded homes. Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu visited the worst-hit Galati county where he inspected damaged homes and spoke with around 25,000 people without power.

Polish authorities have deployed Starlink terminals to counter disrupted communications, offering internet via satellite. The Vistula river in Krakow broke its banks, leaving 250,000 people in the Czech Republic without power.

Czech prime minister Petr Fiala urged citizens to avoid unnecessary journeys and heed evacuation warnings. “People who refuse to leave their homes are not only endangering themselves, but also those who then have to try to save them,” he said.

The extreme weather caused significant rail disruption in all affected countries, with at least 40 Czech railway lines closed. Leaders across the region echoed concerns about climate change and its impact on the continent.

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