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Czechia's extreme flood warning: Here's what you need to know
Meteorologists and the Czech government are warning of serious rainfall in Czechia, which could lead to similar large-scale floods seen in 2002 or 1997. Several outdoor events in Prague, which has a "high risk" of floods, have been postponed. Flight disruption is also possible. According to the Ministry of Environment, the east of the country is most at-risk of damage, with the government forecasting “extreme danger.”
East and high-altitude areas most at-risk
The situation is expected to be most severe in mountainous areas, particularly in the northeast, according to Environment Minister Petr Hladík. He also warned of the potential for flash floods in areas not typically susceptible to flooding, and added that strong winds reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour will further complicate the situation.
The main cause of this unusual weather pattern is a massive blocking high over the eastern Atlantic, which is pushing cold air south and causing a pressure trough over Italy. The effects will be felt throughout Central Europe.
Ministers advise public
Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný also emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He noted that while the forecast models are still developing, all emergency services are preparing for the worst-case scenario. He also warned of the potential for landslides caused by the heavy rainfall and urged residents in affected areas to monitor the weather and have evacuation plans in place.
Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan echoed the concerns, urging caution and preparedness. "People should monitor the weather or keep their mobile phones charged in case of emergency," he said. Hladík advised residents – particularly in the east of the country – to stay home and to move their cars to elevated areas, if possible.
See current levels of precipitation and rainfall in your area with this handy, interactive map.
In light of the expected rainfall, water managers are freeing up space in important reservoirs to capture the excess water. Minister Výborný has been in contact with all five companies in the basin since Tuesday and stated that the Czech Republic will not comply with Germany's request to reduce the flow of the Elbe due to a collapsed bridge in Dresden.
Those living in Prague will be relatively safe from severe floods, but residents and visitors can expect sustained rainfall – with some heavy spells – from today until Monday. The bursting of small river banks is also anticipated, authorities say. Temperatures will be cool, sinking to single figures on Friday and peaking at just 13 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
Events have been called off
In response to the forecast, event organizers across the country have postponed or cancelled outdoor events. In Prague, the annual popular Americká Street block party has been rescheduled from Sept. 14 to Sept 28. The majority of farmers' markets, such as those held on Náplavka or Jiřího z Poděbrad, have also been called off. Other events in Pardubice, Hradec Kralove, and Liberec, such as the outdoor program for the European Heritage Days event, have been canceled.
Possible travel disruption
Prague Airport wrote on social media today that firefighters have prepared themselves with water-pumping equipment in the event of serious disruption. "Although we are doing our best, in the event of heavy, torrential rains, delays to air traffic can not be ruled out,” a spokesperson said. Passengers are urged to check the airport website and their airlines for the latest updates.
Czech Railways said today that it "is reinforcing its staff and material capacities in operation" and asks passengers to "follow the latest information on railway operations in the coming days."
"Across the country, we are ready to immediately assist with evacuations and security. Riot and traffic police, the Czech Air Service, and pyrotechnicians are on standby," the police wrote today.
According to weather forecasts, rain should subside on Sunday as the weather becomes cooler.
Long-term Prague residents will remember the 2002 floods, which saw multiple metro stations and buildings destroyed, and almost 20 lives lost. Total damage 22 years ago was estimated at around CZK 73 billion.
In the aftermath of the 2002 floods, both the city and the country redeveloped their flood-response plan. The capital greatly expanded the area that could be protected by removable walls. Changes were also made to the sewage system to prevent it from backing up.
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