The recent severe flooding that impacted Central Europe as a result of continuous rain from September 12-16 is expected to become one of the costliest

Just a week ago, before deadly floods swept through central Europe, the Czech Republic looked on track to become the first country in the region since COVID-19 to pull its budget deficit firmly below the 3% of GDP cap set by European Union rules.

Experts say the most severe floods to hit Central Europe in at least two decades fit into a broader pattern of extreme weather events.

A massive flood wave moving across Central Europe threatened new areas after claiming 24 lives, raising concerns among residents and officials and prompting European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen to plan a visit to the region Thursday.

Central European countries have suffered enormous damage to infrastructure and housing during the current flooding that has claimed 24 lives in the region. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday pledged billions of euros for flood recovery.

Central Europe is experiencing the worst floods in at least two decades, with a trail of destruction from Romania to Poland and and the deaths of at least 23 people so far.

Severe floods have disrupted financial stability in the Czech Republic and Poland, jeopardizing efforts to control budget deficits post-COVID-19. The damage might cost $10 billion, with EU funds covering only part of the expenses.

The Bela River flows past a church during floods in Mikulovice, Czech Republic, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Residents bucket out water from their garden during floods in Zahorska Bystrica,

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen has pledged billions of euros in aid for Central European countries that suffered enormous damage to infrastructure and housing during the massive flooding th