Deadly floods wreak havoc in Romania: Hundreds evacuated, entire communities devastated

Torrential rains have unleashed catastrophic floods across Romania, leading to the evacuation of over 100 people and resulting in at least five fatalities. In the hardest-hit regions of Galați and Vaslui, emergency services are scrambling to rescue those stranded in their flooded homes. The flooding, considered among the worst in nearly three decades, has devastated entire communities, with thousands of households damaged and infrastructure crippled.

Unprecedented rainfall and massive rescue operations

Romanian authorities reported that five individuals, including three elderly women and two men, were found dead in localities such as Pechea, Drăgușeni, Costache Negri, and Corod. Officials clarified that one of the deceased did not die as a direct result of the flooding but from unrelated causes. Meanwhile, the government has deployed more than 700 personnel from the Interior Ministry, including a Black Hawk helicopter, to assist in rescue efforts in the worst-hit areas, where rising waters have trapped people in their homes.

According to the Romanian Environment Minister, Mircea Fechet, some regions experienced rainfall exceeding 160 litres per square metre—a rare and dangerous occurrence. Fechet noted that the authorities’ primary goal is to rescue as many people as possible while managing the aftermath of this natural disaster. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis expressed his sorrow for the victims and urged the government to improve its preparedness against future extreme weather events, highlighting the growing challenges posed by climate change.

Impact of flooding across Central Europe

The catastrophic floods in Romania are part of a broader climate crisis unfolding across Central Europe. Countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic are also grappling with intense flooding and damage. In Romania, the floods have caused extensive destruction, particularly in Galați, where approximately 5,000 households have been affected. Entire streets and neighbourhoods remain submerged under water, with residents relying on rescue boats for evacuation. Video footage released by emergency authorities shows rescuers navigating muddy waters, pulling stranded residents to safety.

Romania’s government has sent text alerts to warn residents about adverse weather conditions as authorities race to remove floodwaters from homes and clear blocked roads. The extreme weather has affected 19 localities across eight counties, where strong winds have brought down trees and damaged cars.

Expert opinion: A call for climate resilience

Climate experts warn that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, urging the need for robust climate adaptation strategies. They note that countries like Romania and others in Central Europe are experiencing a shift where such weather becomes the norm rather than the exception. Experts suggest that greater investment in flood defence infrastructure, early warning systems, and community preparedness is crucial. They also emphasize the importance of cross-border cooperation, stating that climate change is a shared challenge that requires a collective regional response.

Moving forward: Strengthening Romania’s disaster preparedness

In response to the disaster, the Romanian government has vowed to enhance its disaster response capabilities. This includes better forecasting of extreme weather, improving flood defences, and investing in modern equipment and technology for faster and more efficient rescue operations. While Romania faces an uphill battle in mitigating the effects of climate change, there is a growing consensus that more immediate action is needed to safeguard communities from future disasters.

As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on recovery and rehabilitation. With thousands displaced and communities devastated, the Romanian government and local authorities face a massive task in rebuilding and ensuring that the country is better prepared for what appears to be an increasingly uncertain climate future.