Its overflow is now in recession Danubewhich has caused massive damage to Austriabut the authorities have not yet lifted the alarm. At the same time, residents describe in dramatic tones what they experienced in the previous days, with many having now lost their homes or their businesses.

THE Daiichi Leon Yingrestaurant owner, describes in dramatic tones what he experienced: “For four or five days it rained non-stop. The water began to rise up to the knees. And all the basements were filled with water. All the basements in the area are flooded.”

Proof of the climate crisis

The debate has ignited. Coincidence that has happened again or a harbinger of developments that await us in the coming years due to climate change? Peter Andsenberger, a resident of the area, probably believes the second version: “According to my parents’ stories, a similar disaster had occurred in 1957. But in relation to the intensity of the rain and the amount of water then the river had risen half a meter less” .

Scientists speak of unprecedented phenomena and call for immediate preventive measures, such as giving more space to Europe’s rivers.

Political implications?

The disaster coincides with the run-up to Austria’s September 29 election. Representatives of ecological organizations call with their messages on Instagram and TikTok voters to trust parties that have serious measures to deal with the climate crisis in their program.

This is certainly not the case for the far right Liberal partywhich precedes polls. However, it is risky to say whether there will be political consequences from the floods. In the meantime, the Christian Democratic chancellor, Karl Nehammer, announced emergency and immediate aid measures for the affected, totaling one billion euros, promising rapid advances, before the final damage was recorded.

“Many people lost their homes. For those who have been hit very hard financially, we are expanding the protection umbrella to support them as best as possible. Priority will be given to those who can no longer live in their homes in the medium term. An additional 40 million euros will be allocated for them.”

The Oder River in Poland is also overflowing

In the meantime, the situation remains tense in areas of the Czech Republic and Polandwhere there are also thousands of those who have been forced to leave their homes. The Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, announced the granting of aid amounting to 260 million euros, while he will also request emergency aid from the EU Disaster Fund.

The situation in the city of Wroclaw is considered threatening, as the water level of the Oder River continues to rise, where today is considered extremely critical.

Poland is expected to be visited by the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in order to form the same picture of the magnitude of the disasters. A total of 23 people have so far lost their lives in the floods.