Bucharest storm causes deaths, widespread flooding and massive emergency response

A severe thunderstorm swept Bucharest and surrounding Ilfov county on the night of 30 June–1 July 2026, producing record rainfall, strong winds and hail. The event triggered flash floods, collapsed roofs and hundreds of fallen trees. One fatality was recorded – a 40‑year‑old man was killed when a tree fell on his van in Găneasa, Ilfov.

Public authorities activated a large‑scale emergency operation. The Bucharest‑Ilfov fire‑rescue service (ISU) logged more than 2 500 emergency calls, dispatched over 30 fire trucks, 20 special‑purpose vehicles and dozens of pump trucks, and mobilised crews from 14 other counties. Water was pumped out of 277 houses, 57 courtyards, 320 basements and 119 streets in Bucharest, and from 182 houses and 60 courtyards in Ilfov. Over 960 trees and dozens of utility poles were cleared, and 456 vehicles were damaged in the capital.

Transport infrastructure was heavily disrupted. The metro station Piaţa Victoriei 2 was closed, and 32 STB bus lines experienced service interruptions. The storm also caused power outages in 16 counties. A red‑code weather alert was issued, followed by an orange‑code warning for continued severe conditions. Mayor Ciprian Ciucu described the situation as “without precedent” but said the city’s infrastructure ultimately “held up”. The emergency response continues as authorities pump water, remove debris and restore services.