BWI calls for climate justice and solidarity as deadly floodings ravage Central and Eastern Europe
Extreme rainfall, exacerbated by the human-induced climate crisis, is becoming increasingly frequent and severe, particularly in Europe. In September 2024, Storm Boris triggered torrential rains and devastating floods across Central and Eastern Europe, leaving 16 dead and many more missing. Authorities have reported casualties in the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Austria, with warnings that the worst may still be ahead. Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, remains on high alert.
The floodwaters breached dams, inundated streets, cut off electricity, and submerged entire neighborhoods in some areas. Tens of thousands of residents were evacuated from their homes across Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia as Storm Boris unleashed the region’s worst flooding in over two decades. A Romanian mayor described the event as a "catastrophe of epic proportions."
BWI reaffirms its unwavering commitment to climate justice, identifying the human-caused climate crisis as a primary contributor to such extreme weather events. Many of these tragedies could be prevented through strategic, collective responses to the climate emergency. BWI extends its solidarity and deepest condolences to the victims and their families. It also sent messages of support to its affiliates in the affected countries and call on all affiliates, partners and allies worldwide to rally in aid of those in distress.