An extensive low-pressure system in Central and Eastern Europe has led to the formation of a strong storm, named Boris, which is raging particularly in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Romania. As of September 17, 2024, torrential rains are causing floods, landslides, and bridge collapses, resulting in at least eighteen fatalities in four countries and the evacuation of thousands of people. Reports indicate that at least five thousand homes have been destroyed or severely damaged in Romania alone.
River levels are rising, including that of the Danube. The storm is causing severe damage to transportation infrastructures, primarily railways. Rail traffic between the Czech Republic and Poland is completely halted, as is traffic between these two countries and Ukraine. Train cancellations are also being reported to and from Austria, especially on the important line between Vienna and Salzburg. It will take days to assess all the damages and weeks, if not months, to repair them. Boris is considered one of the worst floods in Europe in recent decades, and bad weather is expected to continue in the coming days.
