State of Disaster Declared in Poland as Storm Boris Wreaks Havoc

Severe floods caused by Storm Boris have devastated Central and Eastern Europe, claiming multiple lives and leaving thousands displaced. In Austria, a firefighter tragically died while attempting a rescue, while in Poland, one person drowned as torrential rains continued to batter the region. Romania has reported five deaths, while several people remain missing in the Czech Republic. In Austria’s Lower Austria province, the area has been declared a disaster zone, with leaders describing the situation as "unprecedented."

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declared a state of natural disaster, with some areas experiencing the equivalent of three months of rainfall in just three days. In the Czech Republic, evacuations are underway, and four individuals remain missing, including three people who disappeared when their car was swept into a river. In Poland, a dam breach in Stronie Slaskie has destroyed homes, while other areas, such as the town of Klodzko, have been heavily flooded. Thousands are without power, and rescue operations are in full force, with soldiers and helicopters aiding in evacuations. The floods have also crippled communication networks, with parts of the region relying on Starlink satellite links for connectivity.

Authorities across the affected countries are racing against time to mitigate further damage, but with more rain forecast until Monday, the situation remains critical. Experts attribute the devastation to a combination of factors, including unusually warm waters in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, and a blocked weather pattern that has trapped the storm over the region. Climate experts warn that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to global warming. ⚡ Image Credit: GettyImages