Poland and Czech Republic battered by severe storms and floods

After a heat wave that set temperature records of up to 36 °C in the Czech Republic, powerful thunderstorms and heavy rain swept across the Czech Republic and Poland. Czech fire services logged more than 700 emergencies on Saturday, including fallen trees blocking railways and roads, flooded basements and rescues such as two residents saved by boat in Pribram.

In Poland, a 38‑year‑old woman in Jakuszyce was struck by lightning and suffered cardiac arrest; she was hospitalized in stable condition. Flooded streets in Wrocław (Breslau) caused major traffic disruption and postponed the Polish Speedway Grand Prix, with parts of the track and pit area underwater. Authorities also warned neighbouring Slovakia of temperatures up to 35 °C and the risk of further severe thunderstorms.