Polish city urged to evacuate as floods batter central Europe | BBC News

Summary

Severe flooding in Central Europe, attributed to Storm Boris, has resulted in at least 19 deaths and prompted the deployment of over 5,000 troops for rescue efforts across the Czech Republic, Romania, Austria, and Poland. Dr. Jean Luca Pescatore from UCL discusses the role of climate change in exacerbating such disasters, emphasizing the need for immediate action to enhance disaster resilience. He suggests integrating technology, conducting stress tests, and fostering creativity to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.

Takeaways

• 🌧️ Heavy flooding in Central Europe has caused significant damage, with at least 19 people dead.
• 🌍 Countries affected include the Czech Republic, Romania, Austria, and Poland, with over 5,000 troops deployed for support.
• 🚨 The mayor of Nissa in southern Poland has called on 40,000 residents to evacuate to higher ground.
• 🌊 Storm Boris has brought heavy rain and snow, leading to severe flooding across a vast area.
• 👮 Dramatic rescues are taking place, including a helicopter winching residents to safety in Poland.
• 💧 Local rivers in areas like Asraa in the Czech Republic have burst their banks, worsening the flooding situation.
• 🇮🇹 Italy is also issuing warnings for heavy rain, strong winds, and potential floods as the storm moves southward.
• 📉 Dr. Jean Luca Pecori from University College London attributes these disasters to climate change and highlights vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
• 📊 He stresses the need for governments to integrate better technology, procedures, and resilience strategies, as these events are happening now.
• ⚠️ Pecori also mentions new tools like stress testing and universal KPIs being developed by the UN to help the private sector prepare for future disasters.

Q & A

What countries are affected by the flooding in Central Europe?

The flooding has affected the Czech Republic, Romania, Austria, and Poland.

How many troops have been deployed to support those affected by the flooding?

Over 5,000 troops have been deployed to assist people in the affected regions.

What actions were taken by the mayor of Nissa in southern Poland?

The mayor of Nissa called on 40,000 residents to evacuate to higher ground due to the risk of flooding.

What weather phenomenon has caused the flooding and damage in Central Europe?

Storm Boris brought heavy rain and snow over the weekend, leading to flooding and widespread damage.

What kind of rescue operations have been conducted in the Czech Republic?

Rescue operations in the Czech Republic included winching people to safety after the local river burst its banks.

How are Polish authorities contributing to rescue efforts?

Polish police have used helicopters to rescue residents, with footage of the operations being shared on social media.

What is Dr. Jean Luca Pcori’s area of expertise?

Dr. Jean Luca Pcori is an associate professor in disaster resilience at University College London.

What are the two main dimensions Dr. Pcori highlights in disaster events?

Dr. Pcori emphasizes the dimensions of hazard and vulnerability when analyzing disaster events.

What vulnerabilities do disasters reveal according to Dr. Pcori?

Dr. Pcori notes common vulnerabilities, such as critical infrastructure disruption, which can affect recovery efforts and the functioning of society.

What urgent actions should governments and communities take to build resilience against changing weather patterns?

Governments and communities need to integrate technology into organizations, improve procedures for disaster response, and use tools like stress testing to identify points of failure in critical infrastructure.