Storm “Boris” Leaves 23 Dead from Flooding in Central and Eastern Europe
Damages left by the Storm Boris in Poland, Sept 2024 Photo: EFE
September 18, 2024 Hour: 5:03 pm
Storm Boris, which is hitting Central and Eastern Europe, has left 23 flood deaths in Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic.
RELATED:
Poland’s Longest River Hits Record Low Water Level
Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak lamented on national television the loss of seven confirmed lives, adding that the number could increase as the search expands into affected areas.
In addition to Poland and Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania are being hit by heavy rains and flooding, extending the scope of the weather phenomenon.
In Poland, the police have recovered the bodies of six people who drowned during the downpour of the rising tide, leaving towns and cities in a deplorable state; in addition, of the civilian victims, one firefighter died while performing his duty.
Despite the rescue efforts, storm Boris has left significant damage, with 60,000 homes in the Czech Republic without electricity.
Vienna, Austria, has also suffered the consequences of the storm, with many trees being knocked down, railway lines closed and parks closed to the public.
The Polish General Staff has mobilized 5,500 military personnel, eight engineering teams, 24 maritime transports, 60 evacuation boats and 19 helicopters for rescue and support tasks.
The Polish government declared a state of natural disaster for 30 days from 16 August, recalling the 1977 flood in Central Europe, which was listed as the «Millennium Flood».
Meteorological experts also consider this phenomenon to be the worst recorded in the region since the 2002 floods.
Autor: CC
Fuente: EFE