At least 15 people died in Central and Eastern Europe in the wake of the storm

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also announced immediate aid of $260 million to the disaster-stricken regions.

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This photograph taken on September 16, 2024 shows a car submerged in water following flooding in Ladek-Zdroj, southern Poland. (MATEUSZ SLODKOWSKI / AFP)

After the rain and torrents of mud, it’s time to take stock. Since Friday, September 13, the devastating storm Boris has killed at least 15 people in Central and Eastern Europe, also causing many more homeless people and immense damage that is still difficult to estimate. Driven out by the rising waters, thousands of inhabitants of the region had to be evacuated, some by swimming or being airlifted from the roofs of their homes.

In addition to seven deaths recorded in Romania, Austria announced two new deaths, men aged 70 and 80, after that of a firefighter the day before. On the Czech side, one person drowned and seven people are missing. The Polish police reported four victims.

Everywhere, states of natural disaster have been declared, hundreds of thousands of homes are without electricity or water, roads are cut and rail transport is interrupted. While the weather situation seems to be improving in several places, the ground remains saturated and rivers are bursting their banks.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also said on Monday that immediate aid of one billion zlotys, or 235 million euros, will be provided to Polish regions affected by Hurricane Boris. The government also promised to introduce a state of natural disaster in the affected regions for a period of 30 days.

Earlier in the day, he also announced talks with officials from other countries in the region affected by the floods. “We will encourage the European Union to finance the damage”said Donald Tusk.


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