6 months’ worth of rain hits the Black Sea coast of eastern Romania, causing severe flooding
Image credit: Radio Romania International
Torrential rains caused intense flooding in eastern Romania on Friday, August 30, 2024, and Saturday, August 31, causing significant property damage in multiple towns. Agigea, Tuzla, Costinesti, Eforie, Mangalia, and Vama Veche were the worst-hit towns. An orange rain warning was in effect till Sunday, September 1.
A stationary low-pressure area over the Black Sea led to intense rainfall across parts of eastern Romania on August 30 and 31. Some areas recorded precipitation totals of 200 mm (7.8 inches), equivalent to the region’s average rainfall over six months.
Local meteorologists described the storm as a rare phenomenon that generally only happens once or twice a year. The cyclone is expected to move south to Greece and Turkey in the coming days.
No casualties have been reported but there has been extensive property damage, according to local authorities.
Agigea, Tuzla, Costinesti, Eforie, Mangalia, and Vama Veche were the worst hit as floodwaters entered homes and submerged streets. In Venus, tourists staying at one hotel found their cars full of water on the morning of Saturday.
A popular tourist resort of Vama Veche was left without electricity, as flood water tore through a beach overturning a beach and destroying the outdoor restaurant. An extensive cleanup operation is underway to repair the beach. In Mangalia, floodwaters were high enough to reach car windows.
Firefighters in Dobruja received over 800 calls for help and rescued 61 people since Friday night. They were on the ground in 15 districts hardest hit by flooding.
A heavy #rainfall alert is still in place in the region. Agigea, Tuzla, Venus, Saturn, Mangalia and Vama Veche are among the most affected #resorts. (2/4) pic.twitter.com/sQY1k70PoZ
— Radio Romania International (@RRInternational) September 1, 2024
A total of 17 #hotels and #guest #houses were #flooded. #Firefighters with the Dobrogea Emergency Inspectorate received 800 calls for help, and #rescued 61 people in 24 hours. (4/4) pic.twitter.com/AnfHjnOkjM
— Radio Romania International (@RRInternational) September 1, 2024
References:
1 Homes flooded and streets submerged after torrential rain in eastern Romania – EN – September 1, 2024
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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