Central Slovakia Battles Severe Flooding as Emergency Crews Respond
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Intense rainfall and melting snow are triggering widespread flooding across central Slovakia, prompting extensive emergency response efforts from firefighters and water management authorities.
Central Slovakia is grappling with significant flooding as persistent heavy rains overwhelm waterways and infrastructure. Emergency services have been mobilized in cities like Sliač and Zvolen, where rising water levels are disrupting daily life and posing a threat to homes and businesses.
Sliač and Hájniky Under Third-Level Flood Alert
The situation is particularly critical in the cadastres of Hájnika and Rybár, where a third-level flood alert – the highest level – is in effect. This announcement, made late Tuesday, reflects the severity of the inundation. According to the mayor of Sliač, Ľubica Balgová, the intersection near city hall and on Hájnická Street are currently closed to facilitate the removal of flood debris. The flooding also extends to the Sliač – Hájniky airport area.
Firefighters are working tirelessly to mitigate the damage. As of Wednesday morning, 31 professional firefighters with 15 units, alongside 10 volunteer firefighters with 5 units, were actively engaged in rescue and relief operations, confirmed Júlia Zeleňáková, a spokesperson for the Banskobystrica region fire department.
Widespread Flooding and Road Closures
The intense rainfall, compounded by melting snow, has led to widespread flooding of roads, meadows, and fields. The Sielnický stream has overflowed its banks, threatening residential areas. Localized erosion along the Hron River and its tributaries near Zvolen has also been reported, attributed to significant water runoff from the surrounding landscape.
Travel has been severely impacted. Authorities announced the closure of the I/66 road between Zvolen and Banská Bystrica due to accumulated water, effectively cutting off travel between the two cities. The road is expected to remain closed for several hours while crews work to clear the area.
Emergency Response and Preparedness
From 6 a.m. Tuesday to Wednesday morning, emergency responders in the Banskobystrica region responded to a total of 91 incidents. These included removing fallen trees, pumping out water from properties, constructing flood barriers, and assisting motorists. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
The most significant number of interventions were required in the districts of Banská Bystrica and Zvolen, with a combined force of 68 Fire and Rescue Service members and 85 volunteer firefighters deployed with a total of 58 pieces of equipment.
Water management officials are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to provide assistance where needed. “They provide sandbags and, if necessary, are ready to intervene in affected locations,” stated Marián Bocák, spokesperson of the Slovak Water Management Company.
Expanding Flood Warnings
The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a third-level flood warning for the districts of Zvolen and Veľký Krtíš. A second-level warning remains in effect for Prievidza, Zlaté Moravce, Krupina, Levice, and Gelnica, while the districts of Banská Bystrica, Košice, and Nitra are under a first-level flood watch. Further rainfall and snowfall are forecast for Wednesday, particularly in central Slovakia, raising concerns about continued and potentially worsening conditions.
