At least 23 people have now died in Europe's flood disaster as the Polish city of Wrocław sees the level of the Oder river peak and Austria begins planning for "years" of reconstruction. The water level on the Oder river flowing through Poland's fourth-largest city Wrocław peaked overnight and is expected to stay high for some time,

The worst floods to hit central Europe in at least two decades have caused widespread damage from Romania to Poland.

Volunteers and emergency personnel worked through the night to fortify the Polish city of Wrocław against approaching flood waters, while Hungary opened a dam as the prime minister warned a "crucial period" was approaching.