Deadly Storm Beris wreaks havoc in Central Europe, claiming 17 lives
A catastrophic storm named Beris has swept through Central Europe, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. According to reports from the European Federation of Meteorological Societies (EFMS), the powerful storm has caused widespread devastation in countries such as Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. As of Tuesday, at least 17 lives have been claimed by the deadly storm, with many more missing or injured.
The impact of Storm Beris has been severe, with strong winds and heavy rainfall causing chaos in most parts of the affected countries. Streets and communities have been flooded, dams have burst, and power outages have left many regions in darkness. The ferocity of the storm has led to tragic loss of life, with Romania reporting 7 fatalities, Poland 4, Austria 3, and the Czech Republic 3. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, with many more individuals feared to have perished in the disaster.
Devastating Effects and Humanitarian Response
The relentless rain has inundated roads and neighborhoods, causing widespread submersion in some areas. Public transportation systems have been crippled, and thousands of households are without electricity and running water for consumption. Communities remain cut off, and hundreds of people have been forced to evacuate from these affected areas with the help of helicopters.
In response to the crisis, governments have mobilized emergency funds to address the situation. Austria, one of the hardest-hit countries, has approved a budget of 300 million euros (approximately 11,000 million baht) to deal with the disaster. The humanitarian organization Thurgau Travel, based in Switzerland, reported that pleasure boats carrying 142 passengers, mostly Swiss tourists, were stranded at the Vienna Harbor in Austria. Additionally, around 70 other vessels were unable to continue their journey on the flooded Danube River in eastern Germany.
Historic Flooding and Ongoing Risks
The historic town of Klosterneuburg in Austria faced severe flooding, with roads strewn with debris and damage evident throughout the area. Similarly, the town of Koudelka in the border region with the Czech Republic experienced a mass exodus of residents seeking refuge in schools. The death toll from the flooding in Romania has risen to 7, according to rescue officials.
The escalating water levels in the Danube River and its tributaries pose a continued threat to the region. Authorities are on high alert as further flooding is anticipated, especially in northern areas. The city of Prague in the Czech Republic is bracing for potential inundation, with the river levels expected to peak in the middle of the week.
In light of the challenges posed by such extreme weather events, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu expressed the difficulty in coping with the severity of natural disasters like Storm Beris. Hungary has deployed more than 350 soldiers to reinforce flood barriers in anticipation of rising waters in the Danube and its tributaries.
The aftermath of Storm Beris serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities to the impacts of climate change. The need for proactive measures to mitigate and adapt to such disasters is more critical than ever. As Central Europe grapples with the aftermath of this deadly storm, the resilience and unity of its people will be tested in the face of adversity.