Budapest on High Alert as Danube Levels Rise: Flood Protection Measures in Place
Budapest Declares Major Flood Protection Alert as Danube Water Levels Rise
A significant flood protection alert has been declared in Budapest as the water level of the Danube is expected to rise rapidly in the coming days. According to the latest forecasts, the water level of the river is projected to increase by one meter each day starting Monday, with expectations that it could peak at over 8 meters in the latter half of next week.
In response to this imminent threat, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony has announced a third-degree flood protection alert for all Budapest sections along the river, starting at midnight on Monday, 16 September. The Municipal Sewage Works (Fővárosi Csatornázási Művek, FCSM), responsible for flood defenses, will begin closing flood gates and constructing a four-kilometer-long clay embankment along the Nánási-Királyok Road defense line.
As a precautionary measure, Királyok Road will be closed to traffic due to the temporary barrier being constructed. Additionally, flood defenses will be reinforced with sandbags on Margaret Island, with the possibility of closing the island to both vehicles and pedestrians if the situation worsens.
Lower embankments on the Pest side are expected to flood by Tuesday, September 17, with Budapest Road Management fully closing remaining embankments from Monday evening. Parking on embankments has already been banned, with vehicles left in these areas subject to towing by the city’s Law Enforcement Directorate.
Budapest Waterworks is intensifying inspections of wells, pump houses, and machinery to ensure continued safe operation of the city’s drinking water supply. Public transport in areas close to the river may face restrictions in the coming days, with experts monitoring the situation closely to determine the extent of disruptions.
As Budapest prepares for the rising Danube waters, residents are urged to stay informed and follow any official instructions and alerts regarding the flood situation.
