Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has declared an emergency situation due to record high water levels on the Danube.

The measure so far affects Győr-Moson-Sopron and Komárom-Esztergom Counties and parts of Pest county and Budapest.

According to data received from Austria, which has already experienced extreme flooding, record high water levels are expected on the Danube from Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced at a press briefing following a meeting of the government committee that coordinates flood protection.

The situation is expected to be worst over the weekend, he said, adding that "there is a realistic chance that we can contain the river within its banks."

He also said flood-defence funds are readily available, adding that 8,000 troops, 8,000 disaster management staff, 1,400 water management experts and 3,600 policemen are on standby. The Prime Minister urged residents to cooperate with the authorities and to volunteer for flood-protection activities.

(Prime Minister’s Office)