A man walks in a flood-hit courtyard in Galati County, Romania, Sept. 15, 2024. Galati County, Romania, is struggling to recover from the severe floods brought by Cyclone Boris on Saturday, which has claimed five lives and displaced over 250 residents. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
BUCHAREST, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Galati County, Romania, is struggling to recover from the severe floods brought by Cyclone Boris on Saturday, which has claimed five lives and displaced over 250 residents.
The cyclone unleashed heavy rainfall, totaling 150 liters per square meter. It caused widespread flooding, leaving more than 25,000 homes without power and impacting over 5,000 households across 12 towns, according to local media reports.
In response to the disaster, the Romanian government has mobilized emergency resources.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu visited Slobozia Conachi, one of the hardest-hit towns.
"Our priority is saving lives. We have the logistics in place to respond quickly," he said, promising temporary housing, food, and other essential supplies for displaced families.
Meanwhile, the National Committee for Emergency Situations approved emergency aid, which includes 400 tons of food, sleeping bags, mattresses, and modular housing units to provide temporary shelter for those affected.
The Ministry of National Defense deployed military personnel, rescue boats and trucks to assist in rescue operations.
Romanian Gendarmerie patrols have also been deployed to prevent looting and vandalism in the affected towns.
"The safety of the people remains our top priority," a Gendarmerie spokesperson said, urging residents to follow safety instructions and avoid returning to dangerous areas until conditions stabilize.
As more severe weather is forecast, with a red alert for heavy rain issued for nearby Vaslui County, the Romanian government is closely monitoring the situation. Efforts are also underway to repair damaged infrastructure and restore normalcy for the thousands impacted by what has been described as the worst flooding in the region since 2016. ■
A muddy dog curls up inside a piece of abandoned furniture in Galati County, Romania, Sept. 15, 2024.
Galati County, Romania, is struggling to recover from the severe floods brought by Cyclone Boris on Saturday, which has claimed five lives and displaced over 250 residents. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
This photo shows a flood-hit courtyard in Galati County, Romania, Sept. 15, 2024.
Galati County, Romania, is struggling to recover from the severe floods brought by Cyclone Boris on Saturday, which has claimed five lives and displaced over 250 residents. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
This photo shows flood-hit fields in Galati County, Romania, Sept 15, 2024.
Galati County, Romania, is struggling to recover from the severe floods brought by Cyclone Boris on Saturday, which has claimed five lives and displaced over 250 residents. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
A man clears floodwater at his residence in Galati County, Romania, Sept. 15, 2024.
Galati County, Romania, is struggling to recover from the severe floods brought by Cyclone Boris on Saturday, which has claimed five lives and displaced over 250 residents. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
A man clears floodwater at his residence in Galati County, Romania, Sept. 15, 2024.
Galati County, Romania, is struggling to recover from the severe floods brought by Cyclone Boris on Saturday, which has claimed five lives and displaced over 250 residents. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
A man clears floodwater at his residence in Galati County, Romania, Sept. 15, 2024.
Galati County, Romania, is struggling to recover from the severe floods brought by Cyclone Boris on Saturday, which has claimed five lives and displaced over 250 residents. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
People walk on a muddy road after flood in Galati County, Romania, Sept. 15, 2024.
Galati County, Romania, is struggling to recover from the severe floods brought by Cyclone Boris on Saturday, which has claimed five lives and displaced over 250 residents. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)