Five Dead as Heavy Rains Cause Flooding Across Central and Eastern Europe

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At least five people have been found dead in eastern Romania following heavy rains and flooding. Emergency services reported that the storms left hundreds stranded in flooded areas in the eastern counties of Galati and Vaslui. The Department for Emergency Situations confirmed the discovery of four bodies: three women and one man.

Rescue teams, supported by a Black Hawk helicopter, evacuated residents from the affected areas, particularly in Galati, where 5,000 households were damaged by the floods. Emergency personnel used lifeboats to navigate through flooded areas and rescue people.

The storms impacted 19 localities in eight counties across Romania, downing trees, damaging vehicles, and blocking roads. Authorities sent text message alerts to residents warning them of the weather, while emergency services worked to remove floodwater from homes. Romanian Environment Minister Mircea Fechet reported that over 160 liters of rain per square meter had fallen in some areas.

The storm system has also affected other Central European countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary, where authorities are preparing for potential flooding. The governments of these countries issued flood warnings for over 70 areas.

In Austria, 24 villages in the Lower Austria province were declared disaster zones, and evacuations began. Heavy rains also hit Moldova and Poland, leading to precautionary evacuations in some areas.