Central Europe flood deaths rise as citizens race to build defences

Flood affected residents are evacuated from an area flooded by the Nysa Klodzka river, following heavy rainfalls, in Lewin Brzeski, Poland, September 17, 2024. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel

WROCLAW, Poland (Reuters) -Volunteers and emergency personnel raced to secure river banks and buildings in Poland and Hungary on Tuesday as flood waters that have wreaked havoc across central Europe began to rise in new areas and the Czech Republic reported another death.

The worst floods to hit central Europe in at least two decades have left a trail of destruction from Romania to Poland, spreading mud and debris in towns, destroying bridges, submerging cars and leaving authorities and householders with a bill for damages that will run into billions of dollars.