Austria (MNN) — Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic are dealing with three swollen rivers shared between the countries…and shared misery.
According to the Austrian meteorological service, Austria received two months' worth of rain in just two days. Czech Republic declared a state of emergency after five died in the wake of the fast rising waters, with at least two killed in Austria and thousands of people evacuated out of the lowlands. Even as the rivers seem to have peaked, officials fear the death toll will continue to rise.
The floods are feared to be the worst since 2002, when parts of Germany and the Czech Republic were devastated and communities in Austria, Slovakia, Russia, and Romania were affected.
Travel by road and railway was disrupted in many areas, with villages cut off and some schools closed. Communications are down in some places. The rainfall also caused landslides as waterlogged soil slipped along a river bank near Prague. The good news: the forecast looks drier starting today.
The European Commission said it was ready to help in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany. Damage estimates are just beginning; however, some of the insurance companies in the area say the widespread damage means they are bracing for record claims.
Mission Network News partners with Operation Mobilization, The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM), Reach Global Europe, the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, and IN Network, all of whom have work either in Czech Republic, Austria, or both.
Often in times of critical need and disaster, the response of believers assisting the survivors opens doors for questions about ‘Why are you doing this?' and ‘Who are you,' which eventually lead to sharing the story of Christ.
Please pray for the ministries with work in the flood zones. Pray for wisdom for them, safety for their members, and for opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ.
MNN will keep you up to date as this story unfolds.
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