Flood defense exercise to close Tisza riverfront in Szeged

SZEGED, Hungary — A section of Szeged’s Tisza riverfront is closed Tuesday and will remain closed Wednesday as authorities carry out a large-scale exercise to assemble the city’s mobile flood protection system, officials said.

The Lower Tisza District Water Directorate (ATIVIZIG) said the exercise will take place Wednesday, April 8, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. along the riverbank between the Belvedere building and Boszorkánysziget. As part of the operation, workers will assemble a temporary mobile flood wall designed to protect the city in the event of high water levels.

Preparations are already underway, with equipment and mobile defense elements delivered and staged on site starting Tuesday. Work areas are being cordoned off, affecting the riverside walkway as well as areas near the Flood Memorial, the river-facing side of the Móra Ferenc Museum, and the end of Somogyi Street closest to the embankment.

Authorities said Huszár Mátyás embankment and adjacent sidewalks are closed from noon Tuesday until 6 p.m. Wednesday to ensure safe and uninterrupted work. The affected sections are inaccessible to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians during that period.

ATIVIZIG said about 100 people are taking part in the exercise, using both manual tools and smaller transport machinery to move and assemble the mobile elements.

Residents and visitors are asked to avoid cordoned-off areas and follow posted traffic signs.

Officials said the exercise is intended to give specialists hands-on experience in rapidly deploying the flood defense system under real conditions, a process considered critical during an actual flood. The mobile barrier is part of ongoing efforts to improve flood safety in Szeged and protect lives and property.