Tourists and locals take pictures of the Danubeoverflowing, as Hungary reels from severe floods::"I think it's terrible for the people living in the city because I think it must have a lot of economic consequences,

In Budapest, preparations are underway for the upcoming peak wave on the Danube. The western part of Hungary is already dealing with serious flood consequences, which have isolated several communities.

The peak wave on the Danube is moving downstream, and by Monday morning, it was already in southern Hungary. Almost all the towns along the river have been protected from flooding, and the water level on the upper section of the Danube is quickly dropping.

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

This alert affects all sections of the Danube, leading to the closure of both embankments from Monday evening until further notice.

(240918) -- BUDAPEST, Sept. 18, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Sandbags are seen on the bank of Margaret Island to prevent the flood in Budapest, Hungary, Sept. 17, 2024. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)

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 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.