Danube Rising

The normally bustling boat traffic on the Danube River has ground to a halt due to flooding throughout central Europe this week and it could be several more days before things return to normal. In the meantime, both public and private riverboat operations will remain on hold, causing big losses for cruise industry.

The Danube River has been an important thoroughfare through Hungary for centuries and the popularity of river cruises continues to grow. Today, river cruises are one of the most frequently booked luxury trips in 2013, according to a study by Travel Leaders Group.

Watch this video report: Budapest flooding

But this week, rising floodwaters threatened not only tourism, but also residents and historic buildings along the Danube, including Budapest’s historic Parliament. Riverfront roads and railways are underwater, and emergency response teams spent the weekend shoring up the defenses along the river banks to prevent further damage.

This year’s flooding has causes the Danube to rise to water levels not seen for the last 500 years and officials estimate the damage from flooding across Europe this year could cost billions.

[dropshadowbox align=”left” effect=”lifted-both” width=”250px” height=”400px” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]THE GREAT FLOOD OF 1838:
In 1838 there was a great flood on the Pest side of the Danube River and many people found shelter on a slightly elevated area where St. Stephen’s Basilica stands now. Those who survived the flood gave generous donations to erect the church as a token of their gratitude.
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