The elements strike Romania: Flash floods block the city of Busteni

20.07.2026 | Natural disasters

A severe storm caused chaos in the Prahova Valley. Dozens of cars have been affected, there are injuries, and rescue teams continue working on drainage operations.

Снимка от KEmel49, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Critical situation in Bușteni after heavy rains

The mountain town of Bușteni in Central Romania became the scene of dramatic events following a flash flood caused by an intense downpour. The rushing water turned streets into rivers, carrying away rocks, debris, and dozens of cars.

"Authorities have confirmed that there are no reports of deaths or missing persons, but material damage is significant," reported the Department for Emergency Situations.

The toll of the disaster:

The situation in Romania remains complex, with bad weather affecting a total of 16 counties and the capital, Bucharest. Issued red codes for dangerous weather phenomena have led to large-scale operations to clear fallen trees, power lines, and to drain dozens of buildings.