Death Toll Rising In Central Europe Flooding

(Vatican Radio) At least eight people have been reported dead and nine are missing as the worst flooding in years swamp major parts of Central and Eastern Europe. After the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and Switzerland, there were fears Tuesday that Hungary would be next among the hardest-hit nations.


Though several parts remained under water, authorities in the Czech capital Prague were hopeful Tuesday that erected flood defences would be able to protect the centre of this city of 1.3 million people.


There had been fears that raging water would do major damage to one of the world's historic treasures.


Yet thousands of people were evacuated from towns and cities north of Prague because of flooding that already killed as many as seven people across the Czech Republic.


In neighbouring Germany, where at least two people died, floodwaters in the city of Passau were receding from the highest level in over five centuries.

But that meant little for restaurant owner Benedict Lohr. "We did everything but we could not win the battle against the rising water. It has now even reached the guest room," he recalled.


"We try to save our equipment by moving it upstairs, but unfortunately that didn't help either," he added, visibly tired.

And cities downstream were bracing themselves for more flooding as swollen rivers swept through south eastern Germany, prompting Chancellor Angela Merkel to pledge 130 dollars in emergency aid.


There was also heavy flooding in Switzerland, Poland and Austria, where at least two people were killed and 1,000 evacuated.


Next on the map Hungary, where the capital Budapest and other areas prepare for more flooding with the Danube river expected to reach its highest level here in 50 years.

Speaking at the emergency management center, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warned his citizens of a difficult time ahead.


"The government is preparing to mobilize about eight thousand troops and as many disaster workers as well as 1,400 water professionals and some 3,600 police officers," he explained.

"This is necessary as reports from neighbouring Austria suggest that a huge influx of water is expected in Hungary on Wednesday," Orbán said.


He warned that the most difficult period would be this weekend. Orbán pledged his government would "focus on defending the nation against the rising water" but he urged everyone "to cooperate with authorities as in lives may in danger."

Hungary and other Eastern European countries are under pressure to improve their infrastructure.


A United Nation agency warned last month that climate change and variations could lead to more frequent and severe disasters related to weather, water and climate in the region. But sceptical scientists and politicians, including former Czech President Vaclav Klaus, have raised their doubts.


Listen to Stefan Bos’ full report: