- Dangerous mosquitoes infest Slovakia after flooding
- Water mosquitoes are more dangerous to animals
- Torrential rain and floods devastate Eastern and Central Europe
Dangerous mosquitoes infest Slovakia after flooding
Slovakia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania—Central and Eastern European countries—are currently struggling with the effects of heavy rainfall and associated flooding. One of these is the influx of dangerous mosquitoes.
In recent days, Slovakia has been invaded by water mosquitoes, which have started breeding at a particularly high rate in some of the areas of the country most affected by the floods earlier this month[1].
The western areas of Slovakia bordering the Czech Republic have been hardest hit, and mosquitoes are now breeding in large numbers there. The country has even used special helicopters to spray insecticides on mosquitoes.
These insecticides are safe for humans, pets, and beneficial insects, but they do not stop these water mosquitoes from breeding.
However, sprays must not be used over protected areas or over reservoirs used as drinking water sources.
The Slovak capital does not use chemicals that could pose a health risk to combat mosquitoes.
Water mosquitoes are more dangerous to animals
Water mosquitoes are a unique species because they can fly tens of kilometers and thus cover a very wide area.
According to experts, mosquitoes that now live in flooded areas can carry a variety of viruses that can cause health challenges for humans and animals but do not cause dangerous diseases.
However, these mosquitoes can transmit parasitic worms of the genus Drosophila to domestic animals, which can lead to their death. Dogs are reported to be particularly at risk.
Torrential rain and floods devastate Eastern and Central Europe
The floods that devastated Eastern and Central Europe in mid-September also affected Slovakia. The country was reportedly hit by the worst flooding in 30 years, forcing dozens of people to flee their homes[2].
Days before the floods hit the country, Environment Minister Tomas Taraba said the Danube River "would not be a problem", but in the capital Bratislava the river reached its highest level in 30 years: 970 cm.
Environment Minister Taraba estimated that the cost of dealing with the floods would be around €20 million. However, the government has yet to receive detailed estimates from the mayors of all affected towns and villages.
Although the Slovak government is proud of the good work it has done, not all citizens are positive about the state's role in the crisis. They stressed that they had to protect their own lives and property and navigate their way out of an unenviable situation.
In addition, some of the capital's most important buildings near the Danube were also affected by the flooding. According to the Minister of Culture, Martina Simkovicova, the Slovak National Gallery was flooded, and the entire first floor of the building housing the Ministry of Sport was also flooded.
The situation is no better in other Central and Eastern European countries. Heavy rains, strong winds and floods have also prevented deaths. In total, the floods killed 24 people, damaged bridges, submerged cars, left towns without electricity and in need of major infrastructure repairs.
Polish neighbors and Hungary were also affected by the natural disaster. As the flooded Danube shifted southwards, Hungarian services had to make efforts to protect even the capital, Budapest, where the river flooded its banks right up to the steps of the country's famous parliament. It was reported that the water level was close to the record level of 2013[3].
In light of these events, the President of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, announced €10 billion in aid for European Union (EU) Member States affected by the disaster.
Experts said heavy rainfall in Europe was caused by the so-called Vb depression, which occurs when cold polar air from the north flows over the Alps and collides with warm air from southern Europe.
