Czech news in brief for December 26: Tuesday's top headlines

As of 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the Czech Republic continues to face challenges as over a hundred locations, including areas in Litoměřice, Ústí nad Labem, and Děčín, are under a red alert for severe flooding. Fourteen areas have reached the highest, third level of flood warning. Still, the situation is comparatively calmer than preceding days.

Meteorologists extended the red warning for a number of regions, predominantly Bohemia, including Central Bohemia, Ústí nad Labem, Hradec Králové, Pardubice, and isolated areas in Moravia. Flood prevention commissions are convening in cities, and regions are coordinating efforts to manage the water levels. Forecasts indicate a continued risk.

In a disappointing start to the World Junior Championship in Gothenburg, the Czech hockey team suffered a 2-6 defeat at the hands of Slovakia. Dominik Rymon briefly gave the Czechs the lead with a goal after just 61 seconds, but Slovakia responded strongly, with Servác Petrovský contributing two goals and an assist to secure a commanding lead.

Despite a promising start and several opportunities, the Czechs couldn't overcome Slovakia's offensive prowess. Injuries and missed chances plagued the Czech side, ultimately leading to a convincing victory for Slovakia in the opening match. Coach Patrik Augusta's team next faces Norway on Wednesday at 17:00 in Group B action.

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of winter swimming in the Vltava, enthusiasts baptized a new book on the tradition by Jan David's with water from the Vltava at Slovanský ostrov in Prague. While the annual Alfred Nikodém Memorial race was cancelled due to high water flow, around 150 enthusiasts gathered for a dip to uphold a tradition initiated a century ago.

The Vltava's high water levels, reflecting the nationwide flood warnings, ultimately resulted in the cancellation of the traditional St. Stephen's Day race. Undeterred, participants still took a dip in chilly 5.7-degree Celsius water, emphasizing the event's resilience against historical challenges, including WWII and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today is the Second Christmas Day in the Czech Republic, dedicated to the memory of St. Stephen. Recognized as the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen is commemorated for sacrificing his life in defense of his faith in Christ. Traditionally, this day involves the singing of carols and observance of Christmas customs.

In the past, farmers had their seeds blessed in churches on St. Stephen's Day. In the 19th century, it was a significant celebration marked by visits, gift-giving, and the consecration of oats as fodder and seed for horses. The Czech name Štěpán originates from the Greek Stephanos, meaning wreath, or figuratively, glorified or crowned.

The Czech Republic faces escalating flood risks this morning as river water levels across the country surge to their highest levels. Meteorologists predict ongoing increases in river levels across nearly the entire country, with about two dozen locations reaching the third and highest flood level at 8:00 a.m.

Preceded by rain and melting snow, over 140 areas are seeing elevated water levels today, with 18 of them at critical third flood level. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has extended its warning, expecting flood activity in most regions, excluding specific areas in the South Bohemian and Moravian-Silesian Regions. Stagnation or slight decreases in flow levels are reported in many affected places.

After a 16-year hiatus, the Czech Republic's Pardubice Dynamo hockey team will return to the Spengler Cup in Davos today. Their opening match on Tuesday at 2:10 p.m. will be played against defending champions Ambri-Piotta from Switzerland. Ambri-Piotta secured their first victory at the Spengler Cup last year.

Forward Michael Špaček, the lone Czech player with Ambri-Piotta, anticipates a special match against his parent club, Pardubice. In the event of a loss, Pardubice will face a second match on Wednesday, and in case of a win, they will play on Thursday against the Finnish team KalPa Kuopio. Pardubice last participated in the Spengler Cup in 2007.

The final week of the year will usher in above-average warmth, with temperatures hovering around ten degrees Celsius. The forecast from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute predicts occasional rain, especially in mountainous regions, where snowfall is also possible.

The melting snow may elevate stream levels in some areas, prompting flood warnings. Temperatures are anticipated to remain mild, occasionally exceeding ten degrees Celsius, while showers persist intermittently. Wind intensity will moderate on Tuesday, with similar weather conditions continuing through the New Year's Eve weekend.

Jan Lipavský, the Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, stresses the paramount challenge of preventing Russia from approaching the Czech borders. In an interview with Czech News Agency, Lipavský emphasized that supporting Ukraine is crucial in hindering Russian imperial expansion, safeguarding Central Europe and the Baltic nations.

He warns that if Ukraine were to fall, Russia would be dangerously close to the borders of the European Union and the Czech Republic, urging steadfast prevention. Lipavský calls for sustained aid to Ukraine, portraying it as essential for European security and emphasizing the significance of public understanding and support.

Dozens gathered at the Vyšehrad Cemetery in Prague yesterday to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the death of writer Karel Čapek, who passed away on December 25, 1938. Screenwriter and publicist František Novotný delivered a speech praising Čapek's wisdom, humanity, moral values, and sense of perspective and humor.

Novotný emphasized the importance of remembering historical figures like Čapek, urging against easily replacing them with the "empty words" of current power demonstrations. Karel Čapek, a significant figure in Czech and world history, left an enduring legacy through his literary contributions and resistance against fascism and Nazism. He is best known worldwide for introducing the word 'robot' to the global lexicon.

From January through November of this year, there were 170,437 criminal offenses in the Czech Republic, similar to last year's figures. In 2022, the police recorded 170,096 incidents during the same period, according to statistics released by Czech police over the Christmas holidays.

Police noted an increase in property crime but a decrease in economic and homicide-related offenses. The rate of solved cases, like last year, is around 45 percent. There were 145 cases of murder, attempted murder, and manslaughter through November, five less than the previous year, with an 80 percent rate of solved cases.

The Czech Ministry of Internal Affairs has raised the reimbursement ceiling for stay and food in social services facilities. Starting January, maximum prices for weekly inpatient facility, therapeutic community, and asylum stays will increase by 25 crowns. The all-day meal cost can go up to 255 crowns, and lunch to 115 crowns.

The ministry cites rising operational costs and aims to involve families more in financing. The adjustment could channel an additional 1.7 billion crowns into social services, addressing concerns about potential service reductions due to escalating costs. Disabled groups, however, express reservations about the move.