Budapest prepares for Danube tidal wave peak

The water level on the Danube in Budapest was around 850 centimetres on Saturday morning, which is around 40 centimetres less than during the record flood in 2013. The flood wave has already passed the cities of Komarom and Esztergom. Kisoroszi is still cut off from the world, but the residents and rescue services there have the situation under control. The peak wave on the Danube, which according to initial forecasts was to reach Budapest on Saturday morning, is only just approaching the city. Although it is lower than expected, it is also much more spread out. This means that the high level of the river will remain longer than predicted.

Hydrologists point out that the capital city is facing the great flood Hungarian They protect not only newly built fortifications, but also structures that were built many years ago. An example is the lines of embankments built in 1954 to protect against ice floods. However, experts warn that although they are very high, there may be places that require protection. The level is still very high in Lithuania, although since Friday the water has been falling very slowly. Rescue services appeal to citizens not to go on trips to the areas of flood embankments and temporary fortifications. This is due to both the risk of their breach and the need to ensure full freedom of action for rescuers. It turns out that “flood tourists” walking along the embankments have often prevented the work of people responsible for securing them.