Romania hit by deadly flash floods
Villages in eastern Romania are beginning the cleanup and damage assessment process following devastating flash floods that resulted in at least three fatalities. Heavy rainfall and strong winds affected around 25 villages across nine counties, with Neamt and Suceava counties experiencing the most severe impacts. Two rivers overflowed, leading to the evacuation of hundreds and causing significant destruction, including uprooted trees and damaged homes.
Emergency response teams reported that a 66-year-old man was found deceased in a stream in Neagra, while two elderly women, aged 85 and 83, were confirmed dead after being reported missing. Firefighters utilized excavators to recover one of the bodies from a riverbed. The Environment Ministry's water management agency noted that some rivers reached record high levels, prompting ongoing repair efforts for collapsed bridges.
In Neamt County alone, emergency teams evacuated approximately 890 residents, many of whom were rescued by helicopters and firefighters as floodwaters inundated homes and blocked roads. Villages like Broșteni faced significant challenges, with debris-filled waters overturning vehicles and stranding families. As rescue operations transitioned to recovery, residents are now sorting through destroyed property and clearing mud and wreckage.
Authorities have warned that the region's infrastructure remains vulnerable, and damage assessments are ongoing. The situation highlights the increasing threat of extreme weather in Romania's mountainous northeast, where geography and climate conditions contribute to heightened flood risks. These flash floods are part of a broader trend of more frequent and intense rainfall events observed in eastern and central Europe.
