The Danube reportedly peaked in Serbia today without breeching flood defenses, bolstered in recent days as swollen rivers carried water from melting snow in Central Europe.
But there was still a threat water levels could rise near the border with Romania, and authorities stressed that waterlogged dykes could still collapse and wreak havoc across the region.
A state of emergency was declared on April 16 in 10 regions of Serbia. The most severe situation was in the town of Smederovo, some 40 kilometers east of the capital, Belgrade, where hundreds of houses were reported under water.
In Romania, large areas of forest and farmland were intentionally flooded to prevent the river from engulfing nearby towns. More than 730 Romanians have fled their homes, with waters inundating at least 500 houses, according to Reuters.
In Bulgaria, the town of Nikopol was partially under water, with soldiers reinforcing flood barriers to prevent a larger calamity.
(compiled from agency reports)
RFE/RL Balkan Report
