"This is the seventh day of ongoing flood protection. The Lajta (Leitha) River is expected to peak at Mosonmagyarovar this morning, likely marking the river’s highest recorded water levels. The Danube is expected to peak today in the area of Dunaremete, in line with Mosonmagyarovar," Viktor Orban informed the public after a meeting of the operational team in charge of the protection effort.

"We are observing Austria and see that the recession of the flood waters is slow," the PM noted, explaining that we have managed the challenge of protecting against the peaking of water levels. The second challenge is tied to the slow receding, when phenomenon like sand boils can occur which can potentially damage the levees. “Even after the peak water levels pass, we must stay vigilant,” PM Orban warned, adding this will have to be enforced by the water management authorities. He also noted
the good news that no precipitation is forecast for the next week, minimizing the chance of further water level increases.
The second level of protection has been increased by 33 kilometers, the third level by 3 kilometers and the area of special alert by 37 kilometers due to the Lajta. In total this amounts to an extension of about 70 kilometers.

Flood waters expected to recede in middle of next week
Mr Orban stated that in the middle of next week, the flood wave will be exiting the southern part of the country, with Budapest likely free of the peak on Saturday night.
Riverfront roads in Budapest can be reopened in the middle of next week.
The number of professional staff working in the protection operation has been increased by 1436 compared to Wednesday's numbers, he said, bringing the total to 5828, and that 4012 volunteers also participated yesterday, while there are 15 353 volunteers registered.
He also pointed out that people are signing up for this work in an orderly manner, as Hungary has already acquired the knowledge of the protection profession. He confirmed that it had been a good decision to open the emergency reservoir at the Latja as it caused the river water level to drop, but said that temporary reservoirs were still standing by. So far, more than one and a half million sandbags have been filled and placed on the protection lines. "The defense is proceeding in a disciplined, calm and well-paced manner," Mr Orban said.