Rescue services scrambled to save 95 people in the hard-hit eastern counties of Galati and Vaslui. The bodies of three elderly women and two men were found in the localities of Pechea, Draguseni, Costache Negri, and Corod, the Department for Emergency Situations said.
Authorities later added that it was determined one of the victims had been dead for two days and “did not die due to the effects of the weather” but from other causes.
Emergency authorities released video footage that showed a team of rescuers evacuating an elderly man on a small lifeboat before carrying him to safety.
A Black Hawk helicopter was deployed to Galati to help with the search and rescue missions.
The storms battered 19 localities in eight counties in Romania, with strong winds downing dozens of trees that damaged cars and blocked roads and traffic. Authorities sent text message alerts to residents to warn them of adverse weather as emergency services rushed to remove floodwaters from homes. Some roads have also been closed.
Romania’s environment minister Mircea Fechet told The Associated Press Saturday that, in some of the badly flooded areas, more than 160 liters of rain fell per square meter which he said is a rare occurrence. “What we are trying to do right now is save as many lives as possible,” the minister, who was on his way to Galati to assess the situation, added.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis offered his condolences on Saturday to the victims’ bereaved families and said, “we must continue to strengthen our capacity to anticipate extreme weather phenomena” in the face of climate change.
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“Severe floods that have affected a large part of the country have led to loss of lives and significant damage,” Iohannis said. “We are again dealing with the effects of climate change, which are increasingly present throughout the European continent, with dramatic consequences on people.”
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A hospital in Czech’s second-largest city of Brno was evacuated as well as dozens of citizens everywhere. A dozen rail lines were closed after being affected by fallen trees or flood waters.
Heavy rain also hit Moldova on Saturday, where emergency workers pumped floodwater from dozens of peoples’ homes in several localities, authorities said.
The stormy weather comes as several central European nations anticipate severe flooding forecast to hit the Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary over the weekend.
In the Czech Republic, river waters reached dangerous levels in dozens of areas across the country on Saturday morning, flooding houses and roads in several towns and villages. Heavy rain and high winds left more than 63,000 households without power, the Czech power company CEZ said.
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A hospital in Czech’s second-largest city of Brno was evacuated as well as dozens of citizens everywhere. A dozen rail lines were closed after being affected by fallen trees or flood waters.
Heavy rain also hit Moldova on Saturday, where emergency workers pumped floodwater from dozens of peoples’ homes in several localities, authorities said.
Conclusion:
The recent storms in Romania and the impending severe flooding in central European nations serve as a reminder of the devastating effects of climate change. As governments and emergency services work to mitigate the damage, it is essential to acknowledge the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the situation like in Romania?
After the recent storms, Romania is dealing with the aftermath of severe flooding, including multiple fatalities and significant damage to infrastructure.
2. What is the forecast for the Czech Republic and other central European nations?
A low-pressure system is predicted to bring heavy rainfall and severe flooding to the region over the weekend.
3. How are authorities responding to the crisis?
Rescue services are working to save those stranded, while emergency workers are pumping out floodwaters and evacuating those in danger.
4. What is the significance of this event in terms of climate change?
This severe flooding serves as a reminder of the increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events resulting from human-caused climate change.
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