Slovak Environment Minister Convenes Emergency Meeting as Danube River Levels Rise

Slovak Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba has called an emergency meeting in response to the rapidly rising water levels of the Danube River, which pose a significant flood risk to Bratislava. Recent heavy rainfall in Germany and Austria has caused the water level in the Slovak section of the Danube to surge.

The rising water levels of the Danube River pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of citizens in Slovakia and neighboring countries. If not addressed in a timely manner, the flooding could lead to devastating consequences, including loss of life, property damage, and disruption of critical services.

The Morava River, a tributary of the Danube, has already overflowed near Devínská Nová Ves, leading to a first-level flood warning for the area. Authorities have cordoned off the Old Town embankment in Bratislava and closed the parking lot on the Tyršovo embankment in Bratislava-Petržalka.

The Eurovelo 13 cycle route from Devínská Nová Ves to Vysoká pri Morave has also been closed as a precautionary measure. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has provided data indicating that the water level in Devín is expected to reach approximately 700 cm, while downtown Bratislava could see levels around 750 cm by Wednesday evening.

As of late Monday night, the water level in Devín was recorded at 585 cm, and in Bratislava, it was 640 cm. The situation remains critical, and the emergency meeting led by Minister Taraba aims to coordinate efforts to ensure citizen safety and mitigate potential flood damage.

In Germany, the town of Reichertshofen in Bavaria has also been severely affected by the flooding. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the town, where the Paar River, another tributary of the Danube, burst several dams following the heavy rainfall. Over 3,000 people have been evacuated, and more than 20,000 volunteers are involved in the relief efforts.

The floods have caused significant destruction in Reichertshofen, with many communities evacuated, and cellars and ground floors flooded. The local volunteer network has played a vital role in the relief efforts, although the community remains anxious about the possibility of further flooding.

The Danube River continues to rise, with the focus in Slovakia remaining on ensuring the safety of residents and preventing further news damage. The emergency meeting convened by Minister Taraba highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for coordinated action.

Key Takeaways

• Slovak Environment Minister calls emergency meeting due to rising Danube River water levels.
• Heavy rainfall in Germany and Austria causes flood risk to Bratislava and neighboring countries.
• Morava River overflows, prompting first-level flood warning and closures in Bratislava.
• Water levels expected to reach 700-750 cm in Devín and Bratislava by Wednesday evening.
• Over 3,000 people evacuated in Germany, with 20,000 volunteers involved in relief efforts.