Emergency Message For U.S. Citizens: Rising Levels Of The Danube River
- 9 Jun 2013 1:00 AM
U.S. Embassy Budapest informs U.S. citizens that the Hungarian Government has declared a State of Emergency due to anticipated flooding of the Danube River. The Danube is expected to reach near-record levels and could create disruptions in low-lying areas of Budapest-- especially areas in District III. On June 4 Margaret Island closed until further notice; water traffic is also suspended. Expect traffic disruptions on roads adjacent to the Danube River. Local and national media are providing updates on the water levels.
Outside of Budapest, the areas of Óbuda and Szentendre may be vulnerable to flooding. As a result, we advise against unnecessary travel to those areas until the waters subside. The Government of Hungary has declared that the counties of Győr-Sopron and Komárom-Esztergom are in extreme flood-preparation status at this time. U.S. citizens should monitor local and national media for updates on flooding.
The Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is far away from the projected affected area. Disruptions at the airport or on any of the major motorways in and around Budapest are not expected. Local and national authorities appear to be well-prepared to handle any flooding that may occur. Embassy operations, more specifically the American Citizen Services section is expected to remain open throughout the week.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Hungary enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the Embassy.
Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Hungary. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad.”
Contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler App, available through the iTunes store or the Google Play store, to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Budapest is located at Szabadság tér 12, in District V. The American Citizens Services Unit telephone number is (36) 1-475-4164. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is (36) 1-475-4400.
Source: U.S. Embassy Budapest
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