Sunday, September 15, 2024 Significant travel disruptions are looming across Central Europe as Cyclone Boris batters the region, leading to widespread flooding and damage in Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. These countries are all in the cyclone’s path and heavy rainfall is expected to cause more damage in the coming days. In Romania, at least four people have tragically lost their lives due to severe floods in the Galati region, where over 5,000 homes have been damaged.
Emergency response teams are in action, with local authorities working to ensure the safety of residents. Travelers heading to Romania are advised to check local updates on the Ministry of Internal Affairs website for information on affected areas and travel restrictions. In the Czech Republic, 63,000 households are without electricity, and major transport services have been disrupted.
Flood barriers have been erected in Prague, and train services on dozens of routes have been halted. The Czech Ministry of Transport advises tourists to avoid traveling to northern and northeastern parts of the country. Additionally, Prague Zoo is temporarily closed, and visitors are encouraged to monitor updates from the city’s official tourism portal.
Poland is also experiencing severe flooding, particularly in regions near the Czech border, such as the town of Glucholazy. Residents have been evacuated, and further rainfall is expected to complicate the situation. Polish authorities recommend travelers follow safety advisories through Poland’s Government Security Centre for real-time updates and travel advice.
Hungary and Slovakia are preparing for record-high water levels along the Danube River, with officials closing lower-lying areas in Budapest and Bratislava. The Hungarian government has warned of potential flooding, and travelers are advised to stay informed through the Hungarian National Disaster Management website. For those planning to visit affected regions, it is crucial to stay updated with official travel advisories and local news.
Avoid non-essential travel to high-risk areas, and check with your airline or railway operator for cancellations or delays. Travelers should also be aware of potential disruptions to attractions and accommodations. Flood warnings remain in place, and with heavy rain continuing, more travel delays are likely across the region.
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