Flooding Across Central Europe Leaves 20 Dead

Central Europe is facing severe flooding due to Storm Boris, with at least 20 fatalities reported across Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Romania, and thousands evacuated. As floodwaters peak, cities from Budapest to Wroclaw are enhancing their defenses, with preparations at the highest alert levels in places like Gyor and Dresden. Significant rainfall and melting snow from the Alps have exacerbated the situation, particularly in Austria, where some areas recorded nearly double their previous rainfall records. Climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, prompting urgent calls for improved disaster response from European authorities. While many regions begin recovery efforts, Budapest is still bracing for impending peak flows in the Danube, expected by Friday. The cumulative impacts of these disasters highlight Europe's vulnerability, with annual disaster costs reportedly exceeding €50 billion in recent years.