Due to huge tidal flow on the Danube, the flood alert level in Budapest has been raised to level 3.Continue reading
With heavy rains causing water levels in the Danube and Lajta (Leitha) rivers to surge, flood protection efforts are in full swing across Hungary.
As Hungary Today earlier reported, authorities have ramped up measures, deploying personnel and resources to critical areas as they brace for a potential flood similar to those in 2013 and 2009. Volunteers and soldiers are working around the clock, raising dams and fortifying defenses, especially in regions like Mosonmagyaróvár (western Hungary, on the banks of the Danube), where concerns over rising water levels remain high.
On Monday, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met with President Tamás Sulyok at the Head of State’s office to discuss the current flood situation.
During the meeting, Mr. Orbán updated the President on the status of the ongoing flood protection work and emergency measures in place. The Prime Minister and President Sulyok agreed to stay in regular contact during this critical period to ensure that state bodies remain coordinated and prepared for any necessary actions.
Earlier that day, the PM chaired a meeting of the flood protection operational team at the National Emergency Management Center.
Heads of various state agencies provided detailed reports on the situation and the resources required to address the rising water levels. Following a thorough review, Viktor Orbán reassured the team that all necessary human, technical, and material resources are available and that immediate tasks had been outlined to safeguard the affected areas in the coming days.
Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky held a press conference at the Lajta river’s dam, announcing that the Hungarian Defense Forces had deployed 367 soldiers to the dams.
He emphasized their readiness, noting that more than 1,000 soldiers could be deployed within hours if needed. Additionally, helicopters and specialized vehicles are on standby, ready to assist in emergency operations. Soldiers are actively working to fortify flood defenses, demonstrating the military’s commitment to protecting Hungarian communities.
As holder of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, Hungary activated the EU’s integrated crisis response mechanism to address the severe flooding in Central Europe,
reports Világgazdaság. Member States like Germany, Slovenia, Austria, and Poland are heavily affected. Hungary has deployed 1,000 troops and is ready to mobilize more to aid flood protection efforts.
The government has assured citizens that resources are in place to manage the situation. Coordination between state bodies and military forces is critical in preventing potential damage, and the situation remains under constant review.
Via MTI, Világgazdaság; Featured Image: MTI / Balogh Zoltán