UPDATE – Danube’s Water Level Set to Rise Significantly in Budapest

Hey there, folks! It seems like the Danube is about to make a splash in Budapest, quite literally. The water levels are expected to rise so much that the city might have to close off the embankments by the middle of next week, around September 16th. The authorities are already gearing up for a second-degree flood alert.

So, what’s causing this sudden surge? Well, it’s all thanks to the heavy rainfall that’s been forecasted in Austria, especially in the Danube’s catchment areas. This means that the water levels in the Hungarian section of the river are about to go through the roof!

To give you an idea, on Wednesday, September 11th, the water level in Budapest was just 137 centimeters. Fast forward to the next day, and it had already risen by half a meter to 187 centimeters. Talk about a quick rise!

According to the National Water Level Forecasting Service, the Danube’s water level in Budapest could reach a whopping 565 centimeters by Tuesday, September 17th. That’s an increase of over 5.5 meters in less than a week! If this trend continues, it’s not far-fetched to think that the embankments might have to be closed off by mid-week.

The rise is so significant that the water level is expected to exceed the first-degree flood alert at Nagybajcs by Sunday, September 15th, and then the second-degree alert in the following two days.

Now, the lower embankments in Budapest are at 645 centimeters. The Forecasting Service predicts that the Danube’s water level could surpass this by Wednesday, September 18th.

Austrian meteorological sites have been talking about the potential for severe flooding due to the expected rainfall in the region for days now. The big question is whether all the precipitation will come in the form of rain or if some of it will result in snowfall at higher altitudes. If some of the expected precipitation falls as snow, it won’t immediately contribute to the increased water levels in the rivers.

As reported by Énbudapestem, the last time Budapest experienced flooding was in June 2024. Mayor Gergely Karácsony declared a first-degree flood alert on June 4th, which meant that parking on the lower embankments was prohibited.

Prior to that, there was a first-degree flood alert in Budapest on Christmas 2023. At that time, a second-degree alert was also necessary, but fortunately, the Danube peaked at 693 centimeters on December 27th, which was lower than expected.

So, if you had plans for a Danube-side adventure next week, whether it’s a hike, paddling, swimming, fishing, outdoor romance, or just sipping on some spritzers at a boat pub, you might want to think twice. Even though the water levels might seem classically low from any of the bridges in Budapest right now, with gravel and sand bars exposed, don’t be fooled. This is just the calm before the storm. By Monday, the Danube will be 4 meters higher around the capital than it is now.

The situation is pretty wild, and even experienced sailors haven’t seen a wave like this on the Danube in a long time. So, stay safe, stay informed, and maybe postpone that riverside picnic for now!

Update!

According to the latest reports, Mayor Gergely Karácsony has declared a second-level flood alert in the city. The water levels are expected to peak sometime in the second half of next week, reaching around 8 meters. While it’s higher than the floods we saw in December last year and June this year, experts say it’s not likely to reach the levels of the big flood back in 2013.

But don’t worry, the city has been working hard over the past decade to make flood protection easier. Although, there might be a need for some sandbags and temporary flood barriers in District III and on Margaret Island, just to be on the safe side.

The water utility professionals are doing their thing to keep our drinking water safe and the sewage system running smoothly. They’re also getting ready to set up those temporary flood barriers if needed.

Now, due to the rapidly rising water levels, the lower embankments are expected to be closed on Monday, September 16th. So, starting from Saturday, September 14th at midnight, parking on the lower embankments will be prohibited. If you’ve got your car parked there, make sure to move it, because the Budapest Municipal Law Enforcement Directorate will be relocating any remaining vehicles from Sunday afternoon onwards.

Mayor Karácsony is expected to make a decision about the exact timing of the closures on Saturday, once the latest forecasts are in.

So, there you have it, folks! The Danube is getting a bit frisky, but the city’s got it under control. Mayor Karácsony sends his thanks in advance to all the water utility professionals and public service employees for their hard work in flood protection, and to all you Budapesters for your understanding during this time.

Stay safe and dry out there!

Sept 15, 2024 01:23 PM

Flood Warning Issued in Budapest – Third-Level Preparedness Effective from Monday

Budapest is bracing for rising water levels as the city raises its flood preparedness to the third level starting Monday. The Danube River is expected to reach a water level of approximately 400 centimeters in the coming days, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures. Check the Hungarian Hydrological Forecasting Service’s site for the latest information on the water levels.

The lower embankments on both the Pest and Buda sides will be closed from 8 pm on Monday evening. Drivers parked in these areas are urged to remove their vehicles as soon as possible to avoid having them towed away. The Danube is expected to flood the lower embankments on Tuesday, September 17th.

Over 500 specialists have been deployed to the most vulnerable water management directorates to assist with flood protection efforts along state defense lines. Additionally, 30 technical supervisors are being dispatched to support independently defended settlements.

The weather remains extremely rainy in the Danube catchment area, particularly in the northeastern Alps and the western and northern parts of the Carpathian Basin. The movement and development of the cyclone above the region are highly uncertain, making rainfall predictions challenging.

Authorities in Budapest are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the rising water levels on the city and its residents.

Sept 16, 2024 09:20 PM

The Greatest Flood of The Decade Is Heading Towards Budapest

The Danube River in Budapest is experiencing its highest water levels in the past decade, with a third-degree flood alert currently in effect. Water levels are rising daily, necessitating restrictions on traffic along the embankments.

Key changes to public transportation include:

• Suspension of bus line 26 and tram lines 2, 2B, and 23 starting Tuesday morning
• Rerouting of bus lines 34 and 934
• Closure of tram stops between Széchenyi Square and March 15 Square

Road closures and restrictions:

• Lower embankments on both Buda and Pest sides closed to traffic as of Monday evening
• Margaret Island to be closed off starting Tuesday, accessible only by foot from the Árpád Bridge
• Királyok Road closed between Emőd Street and Pünkösdfürdő Street in District III

Flood protection measures are underway, including the closure of outlets and sluices, preparation of water production facilities, and the distribution of up to 1 million sandbags. A 4 km long, 1 meter high, and 4 meter wide embankment is being built to support the flood defenses.

Water levels are expected to reach 8 meters by Thursday, requiring heightened protection measures at Batthyány Square. In Szentendre, a first-degree flood alert has been issued, with water levels predicted to reach 740-750 cm by Saturday, just 46 cm lower than the record set in 2013.

Sept 17, 2024 01:05 PM

Hungary activates EU’s crisis management mechanism and continues to strengthen flood protection structures

Hungary has activated the EU’s crisis management mechanism due to the severe flood situation in Central Europe. János Bóka, the minister responsible for EU affairs, announced this decision on Facebook, stating that it allows the affected member states to coordinate their defense tasks and helps determine how the EU can most effectively support them.

Several countries affected by the floods have already been forced to declare a state of emergency due to the severity of the situation. The scope of affected countries has expanded, with Germany and Slovenia now also reporting flooding in some parts of their countries.

In Budapest, both entrances to Margaret Island will be closed on Tuesday morning, September 17, 2024, with no access for cars or public transport. The island can only be accessed on foot from the north, via the Árpád Bridge. The Kopaszi Dam is also in danger as the flood warning has reached the third level in the area.

According to the head of the National Directorate of Water Management, István Láng, the current flood wave is moving down the Danube with water levels 30-50 centimeters lower than during the 2013 flood. Preparations are underway in all affected municipalities, with flood protection structures being built.

In the capital, Margaret Island and the embankments have been closed, and tram line 2 is not running between Széchenyi Square and March 15 Square. Residents are being evacuated in Baja, where the flood is expected to peak next Tuesday with a water level of 958 centimeters.

The water management authorities expect the flood to peak 30-50 centimeters lower than in 2013. The BKV has stopped 10 of its boats and closed 17 ports due to the Danube flood wave. The A38 concert and event boat and other riverside bars were also closed until further notice.

Currently, 2,500 prisoners and 700 prison staff are on standby to actively participate in flood protection if needed.

Sept 17, 2024 09:25 PM

Budapest is currently facing one of the most significant flood threats in recent decades. The city has declared a third-degree flood alert, which is affecting several public transportation routes.

Key points:

• The underground section of the H5 suburban railway (HÉV) will be closed, with trains running only up to the Margit Bridge, Buda bridgehead station.
• Both entrances to Margaret Island have been closed, and the island is only accessible on foot from the Árpád Bridge.
• Bus 26 is not operating, and trams 4 and 6 do not stop at the Margaret Island stop.
• There are closures on the lower embankments on both the Pest and Buda sides, and trams 2, 2B, and 23 are running in two sections.
• Changes are expected in the routes of buses 34 and 934.

The public transportation company BKK advises passengers to check their site for regular updates on any changes.

Volunteers and workers from the Budapest Municipality and its associated companies are working together with the Disaster Management to protect the city. Sandbags are being filled at three locations in Budapest, and the Mayor believes that everything will be ready for the flood peak by Thursday. The Hungarian Hydrological Forecasting Service’s site will provide the latest information on the water levels. Weather forecast services have several cameras set up around the city where you can check the water level live.

The flood is expected to reach the level of the lower embankments on Tuesday evening and peak at 850 centimeters near Budapest on Sunday morning, which is 41 centimeters lower than the record level in 2013.

Sept 18, 2024 09:40 AM

Budapest is currently facing the largest flood in the last decade. Due to the approaching flood wave, a third-degree flood alert is in effect. The water level of the Danube is rising daily, leading to restrictions on the traffic along the embankments and surrounding areas.

Public Transportation Changes:

• The tunnel section of the H5 HÉV (suburban railway) will be closed on Wednesday, September 18th. The HÉV will not enter its Batthyány Square terminal and will only stop at the temporary surface terminal at Margaret Bridge.
• Trams 2, 2B, and 23 will operate in two sections: from Jászai Mari Square to Széchenyi István Square, and from South Pest to Március 15 Square. No trams or replacement buses will run between Széchenyi István Square and Március 15 Square.
• Trams 4 and 6 will not stop at the Margitsziget / Margit híd stop.
• Bus 15 will be diverted and will not serve the Dorottya Street (Vörösmarty Square) stop.
• Bus 26 will not operate due to the closure of Margaret Island.
• Buses 34 and 934 will follow the route of bus 134 and will not serve stops between Békásmegyer and Rómaifürdő.

Road Traffic Restrictions:

• The Buda and Pest lower embankments are closed to traffic along their entire length.
• Both entrances to Margaret Island are closed. The island can only be accessed on foot from the Árpád Bridge.
• The bicycle path crossing the temporary Margaret Bridge HÉV terminal platform will be closed.
• Királyok Road in the 3rd district is closed between Emőd Street and Pünkösdfürdő Street.

Additional Information:

• Long-distance train services between Budapest and Vienna are gradually resuming, but the Austrian railway still advises against traveling to Austria.
• The Árpád Bridge entrance to Margaret Island will be closed on Thursday.
• The maximum water level in Budapest is expected to be 40 centimeters lower than during the great flood of 2013.
• The flood is expected to peak in the Danube Bend and Budapest by Saturday, reaching 850 centimeters in the capital.

The Hungarian Hydrological Forecasting Service’s site will provide the latest information on the water levels. Weather forecast services have several cameras set up around the city where you can check the water level live.

Sept 18, 2024 02:10 PM

Budapest Braces for Prolonged Flood Situation as Danube River Levels Rise

According to the National Water Directorate (OVF), the flood wave on the Danube typically takes 5-8 days to pass through, but this time, an even longer duration is expected. Gabriella Siklós, the spokesperson for OVF, stated that the third-degree flood alert will remain in effect for an extended period on the affected rivers.

In Budapest, the water level reached 683 centimeters on Wednesday morning, surpassing the embankment level of 645 centimeters. The flood is expected to peak in the capital on Saturday, with estimates suggesting a maximum water level of around 850 centimeters, which is 40 centimeters lower than the record-breaking flood of 2013.

Authorities have taken precautionary measures to protect the city and its residents. The Hajógyári Island, which serves as a floodplain during high water events, has been closed off by disaster management personnel. The public is strongly advised to avoid “disaster tourism” as it can hinder flood defense efforts and potentially damage the protective structures.

The rising water levels have also impacted public transportation in Budapest. The H5 HÉV suburban railway tunnel section will be closed, and temporary surface terminals will be set up at Batthyány Square and Margaret Bridge. Tram lines 2, 2B, and 23 will operate on shortened routes, while bus line 26 to Margaret Island will not run due to the island’s closure.

Road traffic restrictions are in place, with the Buda and Pest lower embankments closed along their entire length. The entrances to Margaret Island are also closed, with access limited to pedestrians only from the Árpád Bridge.

As Budapest faces this challenging situation, authorities are closely monitoring the water levels and implementing necessary measures to protect the city and its inhabitants. Residents are urged to stay informed, follow official instructions, and exercise caution during this prolonged flood event.