Slovenia has faced the worst-ever natural disaster in its history, as heavy rains caused flash floods and landslides that killed at least three people and damaged hundreds of buildings.
The floods were triggered by a month’s amount of rain that fell within 24 hours in northern, northwestern and central parts of the country. The authorities raised the weather alert and urged people to stay in their homes and avoid unnecessary travel. The army and firefighters were deployed to rescue people trapped by the rising waters and clear the debris from roads and bridges.
The prime minister estimated the damage at half a billion euros ($550 million) and said it was the biggest natural disaster in Slovenia’s history.
- Experts say extreme weather conditions are partly fueled by climate change, as parts of Europe saw record heat and wildfires.