Following an emergency government meeting, Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared a state of natural disaster in the flood-affected regions of Poland to facilitate evacuation and rescue operations, as well as expedite financial support for the victims.
Tusk announced that the Finance Ministry has allocated 1 billion zlotys ($258,000) for immediate payouts to those affected by the flooding.
While the water levels have subsided in some areas, leaving behind significant damage to infrastructure and property, the threat of flooding remains in several regions. Experts are warning of potential flooding in Opole, where the Oder River has reached high levels, and in Wroclaw, which experienced a devastating flood in 1997.
The death toll from the flooding in Poland has risen to five, with the latest victim being a surgeon found in the town of Nysa. In the Czech Republic, one woman has drowned, and seven others are missing. The floods have also claimed lives in Romania and Austria.
The flooded village of Krosnowice, southern Poland
Czech authorities have declared a state of emergency in two northeastern regions, which have been severely impacted by the flooding. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes, and military helicopters and boats have been deployed to assist in rescue efforts.
In addition to Poland and the Czech Republic, the floods have affected Austria, Romania, and Hungary. The mayor of Budapest has warned residents of the potential for the largest floods in a decade to hit the capital later this week.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has canceled his planned foreign engagements due to the flooding, including an address to the European Parliament. He stated that he would remain in Hungary to oversee the response to the crisis.
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