Fri Sep 20 08:35:51 UTC 2024: ## EU Pledges Billions to Aid Flood-Ravaged Central Europe

**WARSAW, POLAND** – European Union President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged billions of euros in aid to Central European countries ravaged by devastating floods that have claimed at least 24 lives.

Von der Leyen visited flood-affected areas in southeast Poland and met with leaders from Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The EU will provide immediate funds for infrastructure repair from its solidarity fund, as well as €10 billion (approximately $11 billion) from the cohesion fund for urgent repairs.

“Here we say it’s 100% European money, no co-financing,” von der Leyen declared at a news briefing. “These are extraordinary times, and extraordinary times need extraordinary measures.”

Meanwhile, floodwaters continue to threaten new areas across the region. In northern Italy, heavy rains caused flooding and evacuations of around 1,000 people in Emilia-Romagna.

In Central Europe, the receding waters revealed the scale of the destruction caused by exceptionally heavy rains that began last week. The Czech Republic reported one additional death, bringing its total to five. Poland and Romania each reported seven deaths, and Austria reported five, bringing the overall death toll to 24.

Authorities deployed troops to aid in recovery efforts. In the Czech Republic, soldiers joined firefighters and emergency crews in rescue operations, delivering aid and building temporary bridges.

Austria is facing significant damage, with roads, bridges, and homes washed away by floodwaters. Reconstruction is expected to take years.

In Hungary, floodwaters continue to rise, with roads, rail stations, and ferry services closed. The Danube River has risen to levels approaching the record set in 2013.

Poland is also facing high water levels on the Oder River, with concerns mounting in the city of Wrocław.

In Italy, rivers in the provinces of Ravenna, Bologna, and Forlì-Cesena have flooded, prompting local officials to urge residents to stay on higher floors or evacuate their homes.

The EU’s swift response is intended to provide much-needed support as these countries grapple with the aftermath of the devastating floods and begin the long process of recovery and reconstruction.

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