The tornado occurred in the southeastern Czech Republic, just a few kilometers from the Slovakian and Austrian borders. The towns of Hodonín and Breclav were especially hard hit.
The Austrian Red Cross and fire brigades come to the rescue. Rescue workers also come from neighboring Slovakia. The Czech authorities plan to deploy the army for relief efforts.
‘Really very rare’
Marc de Jong of Buienradar calls the tornado ‘really very rare for Europe’. “This is really a classic tornado. We know this size from the United States. It has been very hot in the Czech Republic recently. If cold air can be added, severe thunderstorms can arise. This can create a tornado. That has really enormous powers “says DeJong.
Wind gusts up to 322 kilometers per hour
According to a meteorologist from Czech television, wind gusts of 267 to 322 kilometers per hour have been measured.
Images of the storm are shared on social media. It shows how buildings have been badly damaged. Cars and trees were also taken by the storm.
–
–
‘Reduced to rubble’
Czech television reported that about seven small towns were “majorly” hit, a spokesman for the emergency services said. An official from the Hrusky Municipality said that half of the city has been practically “razed to the ground.” In Hodonin, a retirement home was destroyed and a bus overthrown, among other things.
–
–
