As Storm Boris ravages parts of Europe, at least 1,000 people have been evacuated in northern Italy, particularly in the Emilia-Romagna region. Torrential rains have caused rivers to overflow, leading to severe flooding in the provinces of Ravenna, Bologna, and Faenza. Local authorities have urged residents to move to higher floors or evacuate their homes completely.
Around 800 residents of Ravenna and 200 from Bologna spent the night in temporary shelters, including schools and sports centres, as the floods wreaked havoc on their homes and infrastructure. Train services were suspended, and schools were closed throughout the region, with officials advising people to avoid travel and work remotely if possible.
In the Czech Republic, the situation continues to deteriorate, with new areas being impacted by massive flooding. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan confirmed an additional fatality on Thursday, bringing the total death toll in the country’s northeast to five. Soldiers, firefighters, and emergency workers are on the ground helping with rescue efforts, building temporary bridges, and delivering humanitarian aid via helicopter. Around 400 people remain in evacuation centres in the regional capital of Ostrava.
Meanwhile, in Poland, the southwestern town of Klodzko is dealing with the aftermath of the Nyza River flooding, which rose nearly three times above its alarm level earlier in the week. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Klodzko, declaring the situation the most dramatic in the country.
Austria is also facing challenges. Lower Austria saw massive amounts of garbage accumulate as houses were destroyed by flooding. To make matters worse, the region’s main waste incineration plant in Dürnrohr is out of commission due to floodwaters.
As these devastating events unfold, the European Union’s head office has called this a clear sign of a “climate breakdown.” They have warned that unless drastic measures are taken, extreme weather events like these will only become more frequent, stressing the need for immediate action.
Source: Euronews
Comentarios