Intense rainfall from Storm Boris caused floods in several countries of Central Europe, hitting thousands of people. Reports say that 17 people were killed, dozens reported missing, thousands got displaced. The floodwaters now threaten the city of Budapest, host of the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
The Danube River is expected to breach Budapest quays, sparking urgent flood defense preparations throughout the Hungarian capital. Budapest mayor Gergely Karรกcsony warned the city risks facing the biggest flood of the decade. Danube water levels are expected to crest at 8.5 metres near the city. Gergely wrote on Facebook that the city would use 1 million sandbags to bolster flood defenses and asked residents to take extra care when near the river. But how will the situation affect the 45th Chess Olympiad, and is the event in danger from floods?
Susan Polgar writes on her twitter account that some teams needed to change hotels due to “force majeure”. She also shared heartbreaking photos of flooded parts of Budapest.
A few days ago, GM Ian Rogers reported that the floodwaters in Budapest may soon cut off the Chinese and Australian chess teams. Their hotels are located at the Budapest’s Margaret Island which is together with wharfs closed since yesterday. However, the captains of the teams on Margaret Island today received a message from the organisers saying that there is no indication of moving guests out of the island.
Susan Polgar explains that the floodwaters are not affecting the Chess Olympiad playing venue, meaning that the event should be ongoing safely.
