The prime minister announced that the peak water level from the recent flood, originally expected to recede by Thursday, will now leave Hungary by Tuesday according to forecasts. Despite this positive development, PM Orbán emphasized the need for continued vigilance, as third-level flood alerts remain in place and safety measures cannot be reduced until Monday.
Prime Minister Orbán highlighted key progress in the flood defense operations: “We are fortunate that no significant rainfall is expected, and the opening of the Mosoni-Duna flood defense measures has already helped to lower water levels.”
The prime minister also noted the decreasing need for personnel involved in flood defense efforts. On Saturday, 5,344 professionals were on duty, but by Sunday, this number had reduced slightly to 5,325. The number of volunteers has also decreased significantly, from 1,286 yesterday to an expected 324 today, indicating that the situation is gradually improving.
Critical areas south of Budapest continue to be focal points for flood defense. The prime minister confirmed that defenses in Báta are fully operational, while efforts in Baja and Dunaszekcső are progressing well. A new area requiring attention is Madocsa, where 600 sandbags are being deployed to reinforce defenses. PM Orbán added that the situation in Paks is stable, stating, “We are successfully managing tasks we have dealt with before.”
In addition to updates on flood defenses, the prime minister confirmed that he inspected the Kvassay sluice, which ensures the water supply for 400,000 people. He assured the public that the facility is functioning properly and requires no emergency intervention.
Despite the favorable developments, Prime Minister Orbán cautioned that the work is not yet complete: “While the highest water level will soon leave Hungary, this is no time to relax. We must stay focused until the danger fully passes.”
Regarding future steps, the PM addressed the next priorities in Győr, where the temporary flood barriers will be dismantled, followed by disinfection to ensure public health safety in the aftermath of the flood.
Looking ahead, he confirmed that once the flood situation is fully under control, normal political activities would resume, with his next scheduled appearance in the European Parliament set for a new date after the emergency efforts are concluded.