Three dead, four injured as violent storms sweep Romania

August 24, 2025

Bucharest: Three people were killed and four others injured as violent storms swept across Romania, authorities said on Saturday. The storms affected 18 counties and the capital Bucharest, toppling more than 240 trees and power poles, flooding basements and courtyards, and damaging more than 70 cars, according to the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU).

In Argeș County, a building roof collapsed, killing an 18-year-old and injuring two others. North of Bucharest in Ilfov County, two people kayaking on Lake Snagov drowned after their boat capsized in rough waters (as reported by Xinhua News Agency). In Prahova County and Bucharest, two more people were injured by a falling roof and a tree, respectively; all four injured were hospitalized and conscious. Authorities later reported two additional flood victims, an 85-year-old woman and an 83-year-old woman. Firefighters used an excavator to retrieve one body from a riverbed.

Authorities issued 19 RO-Alert weather warnings across 12 counties and Bucharest on Friday evening. The Environment Ministry’s water management agency noted rivers rising to record-high levels, and repair work on collapsed bridges was underway. Officials warned that extreme weather has become more frequent this summer and urged residents to seek shelter when storm warnings are issued.

The spate of severe weather comes amid ongoing concerns about climate-related extreme events in the region. Authorities emphasized preparedness and rapid emergency response as storms continue to impact communities.