could be applied to the other cities as well. After-effects Once the water levels returned to normal and residents returned to their homes, they faced not only the damage left by the flood waters but also threats of disease due to decaying waste and food. The danger increased due to flooding of sewage treatment plants and the risk of damage to chemical plants. European leaders gathered in Berlin to discuss the effects of the floods and to create a better understanding of how to prevent such disasters in the future. This meeting garnered some criticism, as Russia, which had suffered significant damage, was not invited to what was billed as a meeting of EU members and future members. The EU leaders did promise aid to the central European countries that suffered the most under the floods with money coming from the EU's structural budget and this outreach to non-members was seen as symbolic in an effort to portray a truly united Europe. See also List of floods in Europe 2002 Glasgow floods European Flood Alert System German Flood Service Medal (2002) St. Mary Magdalene's flood (1342) References External links Flood Photographs of Prague Photographs of flooded metro in Prague European Flood Alert System Floods in Europe Floods in the Czech Republic Floods in Germany Floods in Poland Floods in Hungary Floods in Romania European Floods, 2002 European Floods, 2002 European Floods, 2002 European Floods, 2002 European Floods, 2002 European Floods, 2002 European Floods, 2002 Genoa lows August 2002 events in Europe