Floods in Europe - Rivers Elbe and Danube

Date
The floods in Europe occurred in August 2002.

Location
The flooding occurred in Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Russia and Hungary. The floods were caused by the Rivers Elbe and Danube overflowing their banks.

Causes
The main cause of the flooding was torrential rainfall which fell in a few days. The River Elbe has risen over 9 metres since the flooding began (highest recorded since 1845).

Effects
90 people have lost their lives. 10 people have died in Germany. Most people have died in Russia.

Patients in intensive care in hospital have been evacuated.

People in cities affected by the flooding have been asked to leave their homes.

Soldiers are building shelters for people who are being evacuated in Germany.

Historic buildings are under threat from flooding.

Tourists holidaying in the Black Sea resorts have been swept away by swiftly moving water.

People are putting sand bags on embankments and round their homes to try to prevent the flooding.

In Prague, the subways and underground stations are flooded and are expected to be closed for weeks.

There has been a lot of damage to railways, roads and other infrastructure.

Walls of houses have been damaged and washed away.