The severe storms that began the week of 16 May resulted in severe flooding in central Europe, affecting Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. This is a preliminary report prepared by EQECAT describing the damage in the affected regions, including anticipated losses, meteorology and hydrological aspects of flooding.
The post-event report identifies meteorology and hydrological aspects of flooding of central Europe flooding. Areas most affected include Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
The May 2010 flood events have simultaneously affected both the Odra and Wisla basins and thus, the major Polish towns, such as Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw, which are located along these rivers.
The most severe flooding in the Czech Republic was reported from the northeastern parts of the country from the area of Ostrava, as well as the further south located basin of the river Morava. Following the precipitation amounts of 290 mm recorded in 48 hours, several tributaries of the Oder and Morava experienced substantially elevated water levels.
In Slovakia, the region most affected by the floods was the southeast and especially the areas located near the town of Trebisov. Significant damages to railway systems were reported from this area. Much of the damage can be attributed to a severe breach of flood defences along the river Ondava and the subsequent endangering of the adjacent towns and infrastructure.
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