WARSAW, Poland -- European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday pledged billions of dollars in aid for Central European countries that suffered enormous damage to infrastructure and housing during the massive flooding that has so far claimed 24 lives in the region.

A low-pressure system named 'Boris' caused the worst flooding in more than two decades from Romania to Poland over the past week, and also affected Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. Seven people were killed each in Poland and Romania,

By Karol Badohal WARSAW (Reuters) -Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski said on Friday a pledge worth 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion) from the European Union to help the country recover from its worst flooding in at least two decades may not be enough to cover its losses.

The leaders of four countries hit by Storm Boris will meet Thursday in Poland with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss aid for the flood-hit region. The death toll from the storm which has hit central and eastern Europe in recent days rose to 24 on Wednesday and some areas are still under threat from rising waters.

The leaders of four countries hit by Storm Boris will meet Thursday in Poland with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss aid for the flood-hit region. The death toll from the storm which has hit central and eastern Europe in recent days rose to 24 on Wednesday,