Hungary Braces for Danube Flooding- Budapest on High Alert

In an unprecedented weather event, the Danube River in Budapest has surged to critical levels, flooding parts of the city’s lower embankments. The water level reached 7.8 meters (25.5 feet) on Thursday and is predicted to peak at 8.5 meters (27.8 feet) by Saturday evening, according to reports from Hungary’s General Directorate of Water Management.

Photo – Szollár Zsófi / Index

The iconic Hungarian Parliament, which sits near the Danube’s banks, is under threat as the river continues to swell. Floodwaters have already submerged bridges and embankments in central Budapest. Officials are urging residents to stay cautious and plan for disruptions as the flooding continues.

Photo – Szollár Zsófi / Index

These floods are not an isolated event. Severe weather caused by Storm Boris has wreaked havoc across Eastern and Central Europe. Countries like Austria, Romania, and the Czech Republic have already experienced widespread damage, with tens of thousands evacuated and at least 20 casualties reported across the region.

Hungarian authorities remain vigilant, with Mayor Gergely Karácsony confirming that flood defenses in Budapest have been bolstered to withstand water levels of up to 9 meters. While the Danube’s levels are expected to recede by next week, the city remains on high alert.

Photo – Szollár Zsófi / Index

Travelers are advised to stay informed, as significant disruptions to public transport and city life are expected until the waters start to recede.