BUCHAREST: Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Romania overnight, killing three elderly residents, damaging thousands of homes, and prompting the evacuation of hundreds, authorities said on Monday.
Emergency officials reported that 25 villages across nine counties were affected by relentless rainfall and powerful winds that uprooted trees, ripped roofs off homes, and blocked traffic on several national roads. Rescue operations are ongoing, with four helicopters deployed to search for stranded villagers in remote areas.
The worst-hit regions were Neamt and Suceava counties, where two rivers overflowed their banks. In Suceava’s Broșteni village, access roads were completely cut off, leaving residents isolated. A 66-year-old man drowned in floodwaters, while two elderly women aged 85 and 83 were later confirmed dead. One of the bodies was recovered from a riverbed using an excavator, officials said.
Dramatic footage released by the emergency response agency showed wooden homes and vehicles swept away by flood currents as rescue teams checked submerged cars for victims.
Romania’s Environment Ministry reported that water levels in several rivers had reached record highs, overwhelming local infrastructure. Emergency crews have begun repair work on damaged bridges and roads.
Authorities remain on high alert as more rain is forecast this week, raising fears of additional flooding and landslides in the region.
-Luiza Ilie
