Strong storms with wind gusts over 100 km/h hit eastern Slovakia on Monday evening, prompting emergency declarations in towns including Prešov and Gelnica. The storms caused widespread damage — uprooting trees, tearing off roofs, and rendering roads and railway lines impassable.
Power outages affected multiple districts in the Prešov and Košice regions, including Bardejov, Svidník, and parts of Košice. Just days earlier, extreme drought had gripped 58% of the country — especially in the east — worsening the impact of sudden heavy rainfall.
Firefighters in the Prešov Region responded to 26 incidents, deploying 69 personnel and 19 vehicles. Crisis teams are still assessing the damage, while the Labour Ministry has announced humanitarian aid for affected towns and households. Meteorologists warn that more storms — bringing rain, hail, and strong winds — may strike central and eastern Slovakia on Tuesday.
Source: STVR, TASR
