Sun Sep 15 14:48:03 UTC 2024: ## Central Europe Batters by Historic Floods, Thousands Evacuated
**PRAGUE** – Torrential rains have wreaked havoc across Central Europe, leading to widespread flooding and massive evacuations, particularly in the Czech Republic. The situation remains dire, with rivers rising and further heavy rainfall expected overnight.
Authorities have issued the highest flood warnings in nearly 90 locations across the Czech Republic, with the northeastern regions bearing the brunt of the deluge. In the city of Opava, up to 10,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, with rescuers using boats to reach those stranded.
“The situation is worse than during the flood of the century in 1997,” said Opava Mayor Tomáš Navrátil, urging residents to prioritize their safety. Prime Minister Petr Fiala echoed the sentiment, warning that “the worst is not behind us yet.”
Similar scenes unfolded in other Czech towns and cities, including Krnov, Cesky Tesin, and Ostrava, where the Oder River reached extreme levels. The floods have disrupted transportation, with trains largely out of service and roads damaged or impassable.
In the Jeseniky mountains, raging waters have isolated villages, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. The military has deployed a helicopter to assist with evacuations. Sadly, four people remain missing after being swept away by floodwaters.
The flooding has also impacted Austria, with Lower Austria declared a disaster zone. Over 1,100 homes have been evacuated there, and one firefighter tragically died while pumping out a flooded basement.
Romania has also suffered significant losses, with five deaths reported in the eastern county of Galati. In Poland, one person is presumed dead following flooding in the southwest, with the town of Klodzko particularly hard hit.
These devastating floods come after an exceptionally hot summer, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on extreme weather events. Experts warn that hotter temperatures can lead to more intense rainfall, amplifying the risk of flooding.
First Piper 