What is the location of the flooding?

As of September 16, 2024, Storm Boris has killed 16 people across central Europe (1).

Flooding, following days of heavy rain, is affecting Central Europe, particularly Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. The event has impacted several regions along rivers like the Danube River and Oder River (2).

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

Cities and areas affected by flooding include:

• Ostrava, Bruntal, Jesenik, and Opole in the Czech Republic.
• Nysa, Wroclaw, and Warsaw in Poland.
• The Old Town area of Bratislava in Slovakia.
• Parts of Galati and Slobozia Conachi in Romania
• Budapest in Hungary
• Höbersdorf and St. Polten in Austria.

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

Some areas are seeing receding waters, particularly in the Czech Republic and parts of Poland.

However, other areas, such as Hungary and Austria, are still bracing for further floods, especially along the Danube River.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders and alerts are active in several areas (3). Nysa and Opole, Poland have been evacuated and a state of natural disaster has been declared in Poland. Hospitals in affected areas have also evacuated patients.

Czechia has declared emergencies in the Jeseniky mountains and surrounding regions, with military support for evacuations.

Hungary is preparing for significant flooding in Budapest, with sandbags being distributed to fortify defenses, and some areas are preparing for evacuation.

Romania and Austria are also managing evacuations in affected towns and villages.

How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?

It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.

• Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
• Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
• If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
• Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
• Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
• Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
• Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
• If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.