Austria is grappling with severe flooding as relentless rain causes rivers to swell and overflow, particularly affecting the state of Lower Austria around Vienna.

The region has been declared a disaster area, granting authorities expanded powers to manage evacuations and other emergency measures.

In some areas, the situation is dire, with the Ottenstein reservoir on the Kamp River nearing capacity, threatening further flooding downstream.

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has suspended train services along a 25-kilometer stretch near the Danube, replacing them with buses.

In Zwettl, a driver ignored flood warnings and drove into a submerged area, causing his car to float away.

Fortunately, he escaped unharmed, but the incident highlights the dangers posed by the rising waters.

Emergency services are on high alert, using boats to rescue stranded residents and urging those in flood-prone areas to evacuate.