News
Central Europe Prepares for Worst Flooding in Years Amid Warnings of ‘Catastrophic’ Rainfall
Several Central European countries are bracing for what could be the most severe flooding in years, as forecasters predict days of relentless rainfall. Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland have begun taking emergency measures, including preparing sandbags, emptying reservoirs, and warning of flash floods in vulnerable regions.
In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk reassured citizens after a flood risk briefing in Wroclaw, stating there is “no reason to panic.” However, forecasts predict up to 15cm (6 inches) of rain in four southern provinces. Austria, already seeing disruption from heavy rain and snowfall in the mountains, is preparing for more. Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced that up to 1,000 soldiers are ready to be deployed to aid flood response efforts.
The Czech Republic, particularly its capital, Prague, is not taking any risks after the devastation caused by floods two decades ago. Czech authorities are also managing the Vltava Cascade, a system of nine dams, to handle incoming floodwaters. They had to reject a request from Germany to stop releasing water into the River Elbe after a bridge collapsed in Dresden, emphasizing the need to keep reservoirs half-empty to manage the expected deluge.
Austrian meteorological experts have warned that rainfall could exceed September records in just a few days. Parts of the Austrian railway network, including the Tauern railway line, have been closed due to snowfall, and passengers are being advised to avoid non-essential travel. Aid organizations like Caritas are calling for volunteers to assist in the hardest-hit areas.
Heavy rainfall is also expected to impact the neighboring German state of Bavaria, adding to the regional scale of the crisis. As officials continue monitoring the situation, the focus remains on preventing widespread damage and ensuring the safety of those in affected areas.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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