1 dead in Romania in a powerful storm after intense heatwave

A powerful storm swept through Bucharest and other parts of Romania overnight after an intense heatwave, killing one person and causing flooding, fallen trees and widespread damage.

The fatality happened in Bucharest-Ilfov County, where a tree fell on a car, according to the Associated Press report. Emergency crews responded across the capital region and other affected areas as the storm moved through the country.

Damage across Romania

Romania's General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, known as IGSU, said the storm affected 60 localities and led to flooding in 20 counties.

Responders received more than 2,200 requests for help, while crews pumped water from more than 350 homes and 100 streets. IGSU also said 988 trees fell and 495 cars were damaged.

After the heatwave

The storm came after several days of intense heat. Romania had been under a heatwave, with temperatures in parts of the country forecast to exceed 40 C.

Romania's National Meteorological Administration warned of more atmospheric instability, heavy rain and thunderstorms in western and southern areas.

The severe weather followed a broader late-June heatwave across central and eastern Europe, with Bucharest among the cities affected by dangerous temperatures and red warnings.

What officials are watching

Officials were still monitoring the storm's impact, including whether more casualties or injuries would be reported and whether damage totals would rise later in the day.

Authorities were also watching for updated weather warnings as the unstable pattern continued.