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Record Danube Flooding Hits Budapest Following Storm Boris
The Danube River has reached alarming levels in Budapest, peaking at a decade-high after the destructive impact of Storm Boris swept through Europe, triggering severe weather conditions. The floodwaters surged, reaching the steps of the Hungarian Parliament building on Saturday, marking a significant environmental event in the area.
The recent storms have unleashed torrential rain and powerful winds across central and eastern Europe, resulting in widespread flooding. The aftermath has been devastating, with at least 24 confirmed fatalities and extensive damage to communities across the region.
As the river’s waters swelled and began to flow southward, emergency responders in Hungary mobilized to protect vulnerable areas. Emergency workers have been transporting sandbags to bolster flood defenses, particularly in Budapest, where the embankment was overtaken by water leading right to the parliament’s front steps.
On Saturday, the river levels approached the record high set in 2013 before evidence showed signs of receding. Beata Hargitai, a 22-year-old student, remarked on the situation, recalling her childhood experience with similar flooding. “To move around in the capital is a bit trickier but manageable. I am happy to see that things seem to go pretty well, in an orderly manner,” she stated, highlighting the resilience of city services in response to the crisis.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has suspended all international travel to focus on the situation at hand, engaging directly with local flood response efforts. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need to maintain the integrity of dykes to prevent further inundation, stating, “We focus on controlling the flood,” as residents brace for potentially difficult days ahead.
Impact on Surrounding Areas
In locations just north of the capital, such as Szentendre, rising waters have inundated lower-lying homes, forcing residents to navigate through their communities via canoe. This phenomenon speaks to the magnitude of the flooding affecting local towns.
Villages like Tahitotfalu, situated a short distance from Budapest, have also been hit hard. “The lower parts of our village are under water,” reported Vilmos Nemet, a local cook living on higher ground, indicating the extensive reach of the floodwaters.
Wider Consequences Across Europe
The catastrophic flooding has now claimed 24 lives across countries including Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania, where entire communities have faced destruction of homes and agricultural land. The infrastructure—roads and railways—has also suffered significant damage, compounding the humanitarian crisis.
In response to this environmental disaster, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a substantial financial response, pledging 10 billion euros (approximately $11 billion) to support EU member states grappling with flood damage and recovery efforts.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
Experts have highlighted the role of climate change in escalating the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like those currently experienced across Europe. Research indicates that greenhouse gas emissions linked to human activities are contributing to these intense rainfall patterns and subsequent flooding incidents.
Source
phys.org