Deadly flash floods hit Romania after the worst drought in 100 years and heaviest floods in 200 years

Heavy rains triggered flash flooding in 29 counties across Romania on June 23, 2020, killing at least three people, damaging hundreds of properties, and prompting the evacuation of 152 people. The severe weather came after parts of the country experienced their worst drought in 100 years in May, and the greatest flooding in 200 years last week.

The worst affected areas included Alba, Caraș-Severin, Botoșani, Harghita, Mureș, Neamț, as well as in Bihor, Suceava, and Vaslui, where each of the fatalities were reported.

Approximately 152 people were evacuated while floodwaters damaged 387 houses, seven electricity poles, and 16 road sections.

Firefighters were deployed in more than 550 properties to pump floodwater. Evacuations were carried out in Aiud in Alba County and Oravița in Caraş-Severin County. Authorities have issued 20 warnings in total– 14 red and 6 orange.

Several people were rescued in Bihor and Rădăuți Prut, Botoșani County, where the Prut River hit more than 80 cm (31 inches) above the warning level.

The severe weather came after the country was hit by historic floods just last week. The National Administration Romanian Waters such extent of flooding has not occurred in Romania for over 200 years. 

Dozens of localities were submerged underwater, and helicopters and boats were needed to reach trapped residents, including five families in Caraș-Severin.

In May, parts of Romania experienced their worst drought in 100 years.

"We’ve had years with drought before, though none as bad as this year," said Romanian farmer Dumitru Ene. "But all this is worth it, as good contracts come along now." 

Rainfall with frequent thunderstorms is forecast over much of Romania on Thursday, June 25.

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