Bucharest: Severe flash floods struck northeastern Romania late Sunday night, leaving at least one person dead and forcing the evacuation of nearly 900 residents. The catastrophe, triggered by torrential rains and violent thunderstorms, primarily affected the counties of Neamț and Suceava, where emergency services were stretched to their limits to rescue stranded individuals and contain the rising water levels.
Authorities confirmed that a 66-year-old man was found dead in a stream near the village of Neagra in Neamț County, underscoring the lethal force of the sudden floods. Local officials reported that nearly 890 people were evacuated from homes threatened or already submerged by the deluge. Many had to be rescued using boats and helicopters in operations that continued through the night and into Monday morning.
The scenes from the affected areas were grim. Streets were turned into rivers of muddy water, homes were flooded, vehicles were overturned or swept away, and infrastructure suffered serious damage. Emergency footage showed residents being rescued from rooftops and windows as rescue teams navigated the treacherous waters.
Meteorological authorities had issued red alerts for flash floods in the region prior to the incident. However, the intensity of the downpour far exceeded forecasts, overwhelming flood defenses and causing rivers to breach their banks. Local authorities have declared states of emergency in several communes and urged residents to remain on high alert, warning of possible further rainfall in the coming days.
Climate experts have pointed out that Romania, like much of Europe, is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events fueled by climate change. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to more intense storms and heavier rainfall, which increases the risk of flooding even in regions previously considered low-risk.
The Romanian government has appealed for national solidarity and promised rapid assistance to the affected areas. Temporary shelters have been set up, and humanitarian aid including food, water, clothing, and medical supplies is being dispatched. Authorities are also assessing the structural damage to roads, bridges, and power lines, many of which have been rendered unusable.
This disaster adds to a growing list of flood-related tragedies across Europe this summer, reinforcing calls from environmental organizations and scientists for governments to take urgent and systemic climate action.