Poland declares state of natural disaster in areas affected by severe flooding

Following an emergency government meeting, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a state of natural disaster in flooded areas to facilitate evacuation and rescue operations, as well as expedite financial support for the victims.

"I have turned to the finance minister and for now we have secured financial reserves for the needs of locations and people affected by the flooding. At this point we have one billion zlotys. The finance minister has assured me, in line with our expectations, that there will be no shortage of means for the direct and the long-term aid," he said.

At least five people have died and thousands have been evacuated as severe flooding from torrential rains continues to impact Central Europe.

Widespread flooding also triggered evacuations in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Romania.

High flood warnings across the Czech Republic

The majority of the Czech Republic was impacted by the heavy rain, and authorities declared high flood warnings in roughly 100 places. But the situation was the worst in the northeastern regions of the country, which recorded the biggest rainfall in recent days.

Tens of thousands of people have been asked to move to higher ground.

The Oder River that flows to Poland reached extreme levels in Ostrava, the third largest Czech city. Many parts of the city were underwater and centres have been set up for those who had to evacuate.

Police reported that four people who were swept away by water were still missing.

Hungary braces itself for the downpour

In Hungary, the mayor of Budapest warned residents that the capital faces what could be the biggest flood of the decade. The rainfall is expected to hit the city later in the week.

The water levels of the Danube River have been rising, and there is a risk that the water will breach the city’s lower quays.

The Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter confirmed that 12,000 troops were on standby. Some troops were deployed to assist residents in fortifying some of the most threatened areas.