Floods in Central Europe: Hungary

The lower roads or the lower embankment is sort of a dual purpose area; transportation and flood control. So to see the lower embankment closed is sort of common when the river is up. The sandbagging doesn't inspire confidence. Still if it were me and I had plans to be in Budapest in the next week (I think they said the crest would be Saturday) then I wouldn't hesitate to go. I cant picture flooding coming too far in and there is a lot to see in Pest and Buda that is far from the river.

From my apartment manager in Budapest River was pretty high this morning, will see it again tomorrow morning.  Monday expected to be the peak, I think. the city is not likely to be  "breeched" it is expected to get close to the top of the higher embankment  walls (where the number 2 tram is) but not go over. the exception to this  is of course is if the walls fail, but even then it wont be going far.  Certainly people wont get affected and the Marriott is safe I would think.  I can give you more news tomorrow.

More from Budapest Just had the news on, parts of the second district have been breeched. We  had a big storm this evening which caused it, as the rain water could not  get into the river! Its around Batthany ter area on the Buda side. I think  the general message is that the city is fine, enjoy yourselves it wont  affect things too much and for too long. I asked the best way between Buda and Pest right now. Take the 16 bus from chain bridge or Deak ter to the castle. As far as we  are aware that is running as normal and the chain bridge is open as  normal.....for the moment!

Sunday 9:41pm Local time in Budapest Flood expected to peak tonight, lots of desperate work being done on the Buda embankment between Margaret bridge and Batthany ter, they have closed the road to cars and people and just heard they have closed the bridge on the Buda side. rest of the city is fine, pest unaffected. Some photos attached taken around the tram stop at the Akademia/Roosevelt ter/chain bridge area. Getting over the river tomorrow should be a hoot!

I just got through goggling for information or photos on the flooding in Budapest. The amount of trash journalism is frightening. What appear to be respectful news agencies reporting "Budapest Under Water" and then showing photos of flooded towns in Germany (correctly identified as such in fine print) and discussions of the 9 meters of flooding as opposed to the river having risen 9 meters. For those of you going to Budapest in the next week know that Pest has an upper and a lower embankment and that the water has covered the lower embankment. Other than a road and some park benches there isn't much on the lower embankment because, well because it is there to absorb the river when it rises. This happens often. So far, the reports I have say that the river is still in its banks with one exception in Buda. If you are planning on staying at the Art'otel you might want to call and see if the floor is wet before you come; otherwise have at it.

The flood threat for Budapest came and went. As near as I can tell there was some localized flooding near batthyány tér but nothing to the extent that the news media was hoping for. Looks like even Margaret Island survived without any substantial issues. The water is receding now and things should be back to normal shortly.

James I found your information very useful! We are scheduled to leave for our honeymoon to Central Europe in 2 days and we were having a hard time finding up to date and accurate information on the flooding. We are of course concerned, but have no plans to cancel our trip. We arrive in Budapest on June 16, and we are staying at Brody House. I believe they are in Pest, district 8. I have sent them messages and have not had a reply from them, which is worrisome. Hoping that area is not closed. After a few days in Budapest, we have a cruise booked with Avalon. Also hoping there are no problems with that!

The newspapers here in town had wonderful articles describing Budapest under water. The problem was that it wasn't true. Unfortunately no new man ever let the truth get in the way of a good story. Last time I checked Budapest was pretty much back to normal with no damage other than possibly a little drying out being needed in a few isolated locations in Buda. Go have fun, don't worry about a thing. Your hotel is beside the National Museum which isn't a half bad place. There is a tram line that will take you very near the activities in District VI and V in one direction and down to the Market in the other. The tram also has a stop very near the Great Synagogue and the entry into the old Jewish quarter.

From the gentleman that manages our rental apartments. Received it just moments ago. "River levels are going down pretty quick, could almost see the road today. So all that is left is the traffic, the defenses of buses and rubbish lorries held out! Today they closed more roads in Buda, god knows why and have decided to make one lane of the 2 lane road coming down the gellert hill to Erzsebet bridge a bus lane!" So apparently getting back and forth to Buda is still a little touch and go. But tourists generally walk across the Chain Bridge and that is not obstructed at all.