PM Orban: Most Serious and Difficult Phase of Flood Protection has Begun

Water and disaster management experts, alongside volunteers, are tasked with closely monitoring the flood until it leaves the country, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said this morning at the briefing of the flood protection operational group. All the flood defenses have stood the test, Hungary's prime minister stressed. The highest water level of the flood wave in Hungary is expected on Thursday while currently the flood has begun to peak at Devin, Bratislava, Viktor Orban said.

Fotó: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd

Critical locations

Viktor Orban said that the opening of the emergency reservoir at the Lajta (Leitha) River would cause a 20-centimeter drop in the water level of the Danube tributary. Pilismarot is one of the most critical sites at the moment, with work being carried out there today and tomorrow, to also try to protect the buildings in the floodplain, but there is a section of Route 11 that cannot be protected, so diversion roads are being opened.

Margaret Island in Budapest is also a tough spot, but not unfamiliar. 

He indicated that they hope no one will have to be evacuated from the hotel on the island. The Batthyany Square subway station is also a critical spot. The relatively thin walls make preventing water seeping impossible, but even so, the subway may not have to be shut down, however the commuter train (HEV) may have to be closed for safety reasons. The situation will be difficult in Dunabogdany, Leanyfalu and Tahi, where volunteers will be needed. Route 2 will also have to be closed near Vac. Kismaros is also a difficult spot with most of the village on flood plains, and Kisoroszi, but they are used to this and can do what is needed. On the capacity of the flood protection works, he said that after the food of 2013, 435 billion forints (over EUR 1 billion) worth of investments were made, 150 billion (about EUR 380 million) along the Danube. At Komarom, for example, there is no longer a need for volunteers, dam construction or dam raising. "We will channel the water out of the country without any major dangers or problems, but we must remain calm. The task is not unfamiliar, but it requires serious attention. This way there will be no problem, Hungary will manage this too", Mr Orban concluded.

Cover photo: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban  (Photo: Zoltan Fischer)