Catastrophic flooding takes lives across Europe

WARSAW: Multiple casualties were reported due to flooding across Europe over the weekend, putting rescue authorities on standby.

As per reports, three people were killed in Austria, six in Romania, five in Poland, and one in the Czech Republic. Another seven are missing as reported by the Czech police.

Torrential rain and flooding have caused factories across central Europe to be closed. Austrian chancellor, Karl Nehammer, stated that 2400 soldiers are on standby to help evacuate people. Armed forces have also been deployed in the regions hit by the storm. The Czech prime minister, Petr Fiala, has called for people to take instructions from emergency services and mayors.

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Forced evacuations in the towns saw thousands leave their homes. Evacuations via helicopter were also carried out in the Jeseniky mountains which became isolated due to the flooding. 10,000 relief forces have evacuated 1,100 homes in lower Austria which has been declared a disaster zone.

In Poland, residents of Jelenia Gora have been told to evacuate as downtown streets were flooded after an embankment burst. Similarly, in Glucholazy, a river embankment overflowed, flooding streets and houses, leading to residents being told to evacuate to higher ground.

German chancellor Olaf Scholz has said the flooding in Germany is being closely monitored as water levels rise. He has also assured his neighbours that his country is ready to help those impacted by the floods.

Severe and frequent flooding are consequences of human-caused climate breakdown, as climate change leads to warmer air that can hold more water vapour. This can also lead to heatwaves and even wildfires in parts of the world.