Czech news in brief for September 16: Monday's top headlines

The current widespread flooding in the Czech Republic has the first casualty as one person drowned in the Krasovka River in the Bruntal area, north Moravia, President Martin Vondrasek told Czech Radio this morning. Police are reporting seven people missing in the Czech Republic floods, up from four earlier. Incidents include one person jumping into the Otava River, a senior from Kobyla nad Vidnavkou, and a drowning in the Krasovka River. Three others are missing after a car accident in Lipova, and one fell into Jankovice stream.

Media outlets worldwide report on devastating floods in Central and South-Eastern Europe, with the BBC and CNN highlighting the severe impact on the Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria. Dramatic photos show towns like Krnov underwater. Le Monde reports widespread transport disruption, and scientists link the extreme weather to climate change. The BBC notes that scientists have warned of more frequent heavy rains in Europe due to climate change.

Flooding affected 207 areas in the Czech Republic, with extreme levels reported on the Chrudimka and Opava Rivers and the Odra. Rainfall worsened the situation, especially in the eastern regions. Evacuations occurred in several cities, and transportation was disrupted. South Bohemia, South Moravia, and other areas remain alert as water levels fluctuate. Heavy rainfall is expected to subside by Tuesday, according to meteorologists.

Czech Defence Minister Jana Cernochova approved the deployment of the Heli Unit to aid in flood rescue operations in Poland, her office announced on the X network. The helicopter unit, stationed in Poland for NATO support, will assist once weather conditions allow. Severe flooding in Poland has claimed two lives. The situation is critical in towns like Glucholazy, with rivers overflowing and dams breaking.

The Prague Zoo and Botanical Garden remain closed today due to the risk of falling trees from waterlogged soil. The botanical garden is set to reopen Tuesday, and the zoo on Wednesday. Authorities are checking trees in parks across Prague, urging public caution. Preventive flood measures are in place, and playgrounds in some areas are closed, including those in Královská obora, Stromovka, Hvězda, Letná, and Petřín.

After days of extreme rain and flooding across the Czech Republic, conditions are set to improve by midweek. Showers will become rare from Wednesday, with afternoon temperatures rising to 23°C. The weekend is expected to be sunny and dry. Winds, which exacerbated the flooding, will moderate. Rain will persist in some mountain areas today and taper off by Tuesday night. Temperatures will range between 10°C at night and 24°C by Wednesday.