02 Jul 2018 | 04:11 PM UTC
Romania: Four killed, hundreds evacuated in nationwide flooding
Heavy rains cause flooding nationwide, killing at least four people as of July 1; transportation disruptions and localized power outages reported
Event
Heavy rain on June 28-29 caused flooding in nearly 100 villages throughout Romania on Sunday, July 1. Romanian authorities reported on Sunday that at least four people have been killed and over 700 people had been rescued or evacuated from flooded areas. Nine counties were placed under an orange flood alert through Monday, July 2, and 11 counties remain under a yellow alert through Tuesday, July 3. Several localized power outages were reported on July 1 due to the flooding. Transportation disruptions have also been reported as rail traffic in central Romania was interrupted and four national roads were closed on July 1 in Covasna, Neamt, and Suceava counties. It was unclear as of Monday afternoon (local time) when the roads would be reopened.
Advice
Individuals in Romania are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities (e.g. possible evacuation orders) and follow local weather forecasts. In the event of further flooding, remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
