At least four people have died and hundreds of others had to be evacuated in eastern Romania after massive flooding inundated roads and low-lying areas.
Galati and Vaslui counties in the Moldova region of eastern Romania were especially hard-hit on September 14 by flooding that followed heavy rain the day before. The counties were under a code-red flood advisory as rescuers tried to reach people, including some stranded on rooftops.
Many roads have been closed throughout the two counties, where floodwaters reached heights of 3 meters in some locations due to the rainfall. Authorities said two women and two men died as a result of the floods. A fifth body was found, but authorities determined that the person had been dead for two days and had not died as a result of the weather.
Emergency authorities released video showing teams of rescuers evacuating people using lifeboats and carrying elderly people to safety. A military helicopter was also deployed to help with the search-and-rescue missions.
The Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) said 12 communities in Galati County suffered major damage from the storm and approximately 300 residents had to be evacuated. About 5,000 households were affected.
In Vaslui County, 40 people were evacuated from five communities, and several households were flooded or damaged by high winds.
The IGSU also said at least three major highways and 10 smaller roads were affected.
More than 300 firefighters, police, and pilots have helped in the rescue effort, and the IGSU said four shelters are being set up in Galați. Each will have a capacity of approximately 200 people. Shelters also will be set up in Vaslui and Iasi counties so that people can be evacuated as a precaution if the situation requires, the IGSU said.
Authorities in Galati County will have to find accommodations for more than 800 people who can no longer live in their homes.