After excessive heavy rains in Central Europe, floodwaters in the Danube are expected to peak in Budapest on September 20-21. RFE/RL has been documenting the situation in the Hungarian capital, where the Danube has already burst its banks in places.

The Danube River in Budapest has almost reached its peak, and reached the Hungarian parliament building on Friday, according to media reports. The water level is expected to rise another 50 centimeters (1.64 feet) by Saturday evening, according to the General Directorate of Water Management, Hungarian media reported.

Soldiers dropped sandbags from military helicopters to reinforce river embankments and evacuated residents as the worst flooding in years spread Tuesday to a broad swath of Central Europe, taking lives and destroying homes.

The Danube RIver peaked at around 26 feet (8 meters) in the Hungarian capital during “the second half of the week,” city officials announced.According to the Budapest municipality, the water level could reach up to 29 feet (9 meters) by Thursday evening,

The Danube River is expected to breach the city's quays on September 17, sparking urgent flood defense preparations throughout the Hungarian capital.

Soldiers have dropped sandbags from military helicopters to reinforce river embankments and evacuated residents as the worst flooding in years spreads across Central Europe

The Danube peaked at a 10-year high in a heavily fortified Budapest on Saturday with the water reaching the steps of parliament, after deadly Storm Boris lashed Europe.As the swollen Danube waters have moved south,

In Budapest, preparations are underway for the upcoming peak wave on the Danube. The western part of Hungary is already facing serious flood consequences, which have isolated several localities. Authorities ensure that they are well-prepared for the challenges headed their way.