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The 2024 Central European floods in Romania were triggered by Storm Boris, which brought torrential rains to the counties of Galați and Vaslui on 14 September. In less than 24 hours, over 150 mm of rainfall per square meter caused ash floods in several areas.
Galați was the hardest hit, with flood waters reaching depths of 1.5 to 2 meters in the localities of Cudalbi, Cuza-Vodă, Pechea, Slobozia-Conachi, Tudor Vladimirescu, and Costache Negri. In Vaslui, the southern localities of Zorleni, Grivița, and Trestiana were most affected.
The floods caused widespread destruction, severely damaging infrastructure such as roads, bridges, power systems, and schools. More than 6,000 homes were either damaged or destroyed across both counties. Around 400 people remain displaced and are currently being sheltered in temporary housing provided by authorities. Tragically, seven deaths have been confirmed.
Scope and Scale
Starting from 14 September 2024, extreme flooding struck Galați and Vaslui counties due to unprecedented rainfall exceeding predictions by far: Vaslui recorded 165 mm of rain, Galați saw 148 mm within 24 hours, compared to the 60-80 mm predicted by the meteorological service, providing the basis for preparations of competent authorities. Factual warning and measures have therefore become effective with a short lead time of 24 hours only.
Communities in low-lying rural areas like Pechea, Costache Negri, and Cuza Vodă were hit hardest. Over 300 kilometers of roads were destroyed or blocked by landslides, isolating entire communities and delaying rescue efforts. Key routes became impassable, and bridges were washed away, further cutting o access. Power grids and water systems were heavily damaged, leaving many without electricity or clean water.
Although Galați had experienced significant flooding in 2013, which affected about 8,000 people and 3,000 households, a flood of this scale was unexpected. Vaslui, meanwhile, had never faced such extensive flooding.
The sheer magnitude of the disaster overwhelmed local preparedness efforts, including newly implemented contingency plans by the Red Cross branches. The extreme nature of the event exceeded the capacity of responders, especially in remote areas.
Although floodwaters have receded, immediate needs for food, essential supplies, and services persist. The restoration of critical infrastructure, such as power and water supplies, roads, bridges, and schools, will take months or even years. It will take weeks to months for damaged homes to become habitable again, and the reconstruction of destroyed houses or relocation of affected people to safer areas will take even longer. Many rural residents have lost livestock and crops, depriving them of their main sources of income.
Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, large families, people with disabilities, and those who have lost farming livelihoods, are especially at risk during both the response and recovery phases.