Severe flooding caused by strong winds and heavy rainfall over the past two days has forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes in several parts of Romania, officials said on Thursday.

Emergency services reported evacuations in Covasna and Brasov counties in central Romania, as well as Botoșani county in the northeast. The flooding has also threatened to destroy the historic Praid Salt Mine in central Romania, a popular tourist destination that attracts around half a million visitors each year.

Officials warned that additional rainfall is expected in northern Romania in the coming days, potentially worsening the situation. The Corund River, which flows over the Praid Salt Mine, has reached a record flow rate of 60 cubic meters per second — the highest in decades. The sudden surge in water volume has caused cracks in the riverbed protection wall, allowing water to infiltrate the mine’s gallery network. This infiltration has compromised the stability of the mine’s supporting salt pillars and raised concerns about the safety of the underground facilities.

The Praid Salt Mine, known for its beautiful underground galleries and a religious chapel, remains a significant cultural and economic landmark in the region. Authorities are working to protect the site and minimize further damage as rescue teams continue to monitor the flooding.