Donations and volunteering: Help Czech communities destroyed by floods

As of this morning, floods are affecting 207 locations in the Czech Republic, with extreme conditions at four river sites. Czech leaders will hold an emergency meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday to address the crisis, discuss aid, and allocate repair funds. Despite decreasing water levels, heavy rain persists in various regions, with more expected in the southeast.

Charitable organizations have already begun establishing funds for aid to victims and communities impacted by Storm Boris. According to the Minister of the Environment, the torrential rainfall is a one-in-50-year event, with hundreds of millimeters of rain falling since Thursday, the equivalent of three months’ worth of rain in just three days.

‎"Just like in previous floods, after the water recedes, we will help with financial donations, primarily with the restoration of the houses and apartments of the most vulnerable who cannot help themselves," said Marek Štys, director of People in Need’s flood team which has activated help in most regions, including Olomouc and Jeseník.

The Donio platform is welcoming donations as well. "Thanks to your support, we will provide safe alternative accommodation, restore damaged homes, and help with the purchase of necessary equipment. The money will also go towards health care and other key needs."

While volunteering in the aftermath of the floods will be important to helping restore affected cities and communities, doing so requires careful coordination and adherence to safety guidelines. Officials say it's important to wait until the situation is safe before volunteering.

Organizations such as the National Volunteer Center as well as the municipalities, will enlist volunteers in the coming days. One that has already done so is Roztoky in Central Bohemia. In addition, follow the websites and socials of the charities listed below, including the Red Cross, People in Need, and ADRA, for volunteer opportunities.

Currently, donations are the best way to help. We've compiled a list of organizations that are accepting financial contributions for flood-hit areas:

A complete list of organizations accepting donations can be found here (in Czech).