Northern Europe battling gale-force winds and floods, with tragic casualties

Northern Europe is grappling with the devastating impact of gale-force winds and widespread flooding, as the region confronts severe weather conditions. This natural disaster has claimed lives and led to significant disruptions. Pics/Agencies

Updated On: 2023-10-20 09:26 PM IST

Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande

Northern Europe is grappling with the devastating impact of gale-force winds and widespread flooding, as the region confronts severe weather conditions. This natural disaster has claimed lives and led to significant disruptions. Pics/Agencies

Scotland, in particular, has suffered a tragic toll, with at least two fatalities reported. A 57-year-old woman lost her life after being swept into a river, and a 56-year-old man tragically perished when his van was struck by a falling tree. Search and rescue operations continue to find a man believed to be trapped in his vehicle in floodwaters.

Storm Babet, as named by the UK's Met Office, poses a significant challenge to various regions, including the eastern part of Denmark's Jutland peninsula, British Isles' northern part, southern Sweden, Norway, and northern Germany. The storm's unpredictability adds to the challenges faced by authorities and emergency services.

Eastern Scotland is bearing the brunt of the storm, with the Met Office issuing a "red" warning, its highest level of weather alert. The region is at risk of further flooding, making it crucial for emergency services and local residents to remain vigilant.

The adverse weather conditions have caused significant disruptions to transportation, with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and road closures in Scotland. Air travel is also affected, leading to flight cancellations. This disruption underscores the need for infrastructure resilience and preparedness for such extreme events.

The Met Office's rare issuance of a "red" alert underlines the exceptional nature of this weather event, emphasizing the "danger to life" due to fast-flowing floodwaters. The last "red" alert in the UK was seen in 2020, highlighting the historical significance of Storm Babet.

The storm's reach extends beyond the UK and Denmark. Sweden, with the risk of extensive flooding, and Norway, where protective measures are being taken, are also affected. Safety precautions and vigilance are essential in these neighbouring countries to mitigate the storm's impact.

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