Budapest braces for rising Danube floodwaters

For several days, Hungarians have been dealing with the rising water level in the Danube. The wave is expected to reach the capital on Saturday. According to the Budapest Sewerage Works Directorate (FCSM), all reinforcements and dams to control the river are scheduled to be completed by Thursday evening. In some areas, the dams will reach a height of nearly 9 metres.

On Margaret Island, the work is also in its final phase. On Thursday, only minor adjustments are being made there. Additionally, the construction of a mobile flood barrier on the Pest side near the Dagaly bath, with a length of over 500 metres, has been completed.

The constant rise in water level has led to a complicated situation in the Danube bend. Since Wednesday evening, the town of Kisoroszi has been cut off from the rest of the country, and access roads to Solyom Island have been closed. In the towns of Vac and Kismaros, local flooding has forced the closure of several roads and streets.

Not only rescue services but also the military have joined the fight against the flood. A total of 1,667 soldiers have been deployed, and the territorial defence can, if necessary, send an additional 4,000 people every 24 hours. Additionally, 117 prisoners from correctional facilities are also participating in the security efforts.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban emphasises that the current water level in the Danube does not introduce new challenges, as it is lower than in 2013 when the country experienced the largest flood in its history. The Prime Minister assures that there is no cause for concern and that all services responsible for flood protection are operating efficiently.

The peak wave, which is expected to reach Budapest on Saturday, will raise the water level in the river to 9 metres. In 2013, the record level was 9 metres.