Europe’s Second-Longest River, Danube, Closed For Shipping After Deadly Flood

Flooding caused by torrential rains that killed five people in Germany over the weekend has moved to Austria and Hungary, causing considerable disruption and requiring emergency measures.

The Danube River, a major waterway in Austria and the second-longest river in Europe has been closed for shipping after its banks burst near Linz, the country’s third-largest city.

Heavy rains led the river to flood across 350 kilometres of Austria, prompting authorities to shut down the river’s entire course.

The flooding in Linz comes after a tragic weekend in southern Germany, in which five people died.

Police in Bavaria confirmed on Tuesday that a woman’s body had been discovered in a car trapped in floodwater in the town of Markt Rettenbach.

The woman reportedly ignored barriers blocking a flooded road and drove into a field, causing her vehicle to sink.

The bodies of four more flood victims were recovered on Sunday and Monday, three of whom were found in basements.

One of the victims was a 22-year-old firefighter who died during a rescue operation.

The German DWD meteorological service declared that the rain battering southern Germany for days has stopped as of Tuesday.

Despite this, the water levels remain extremely high.

In response to the incident, Bavaria’s Minister-president, Markus Soder, said that the government would pay atleast €100 million in financial relief to individuals impacted.

He characterised the flooding situation as “serious”.

On Tuesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made his fourth visit to areas devastated by extreme weather this year.

Scholz ensured that the German government would use all available resources, including federal funding, to provide timely support to people in need.

The severe weather has also impacted neighbouring Hungary and Poland, both of which are expecting heavy rain in the coming days.

As the region copes with the floods’ aftermath, efforts are underway to provide relief and prevent additional casualties.

The closure of the Danube for shipping and the mobilisation of emergency funds highlights the severity of the situation in Central Europe.

Reference: Euro News, MSN