Czech news in brief for September 17: Tuesday's top headlines

As of Tuesday afternoon, the number of households without electricity has decreased to 56,000 in the Czech Republic due to the recent floods. In the Moravian-Silesian and Olomouc regions, 44,000 and 7,800 customers are still without power respectively. Distribution company ČEZ is currently working to restore power to the affected areas, with 90 faults on high-voltage lines and dozens more on low-voltage lines. ČEZ is currently dealing with 59 high-voltage faults in the Moravia-Silesia Region.

According to national chief hygienist Barbora Macková, there is currently no indication that the floods in the Czech Republic will affect the water plants or the quality of the water supply. However, she advises boiling tap water before drinking and using bottled water or imported cisterns instead of well water. She also warns of potential infections and recommends using protective gear when working in flooded areas. So far, according to Macková, there has been no recorded higher incidence of infectious diseases in any region.

The government of Saxony in Germany has offered aid to the flood-affected Czech regions of Ústí nad Labem and Liberec. Minister-President Michael Kretschmer expressed his condolences and solidarity with the victims. Kretschmer also mentioned that while water levels in Saxon rivers had risen, more major floods were not expected near the Czech and Polish borders this week. The third (highest) flood-alert level is still in force on the River Elbe in the Ústí region. In Liberec, rivers returned back to normal levels today.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced at a press conference in France today that Jozef Síkela, Czech Industry and Trade Minister, will become the new European Commissioner for International Partnerships. Síkela will oversee EU international cooperation and development policy, promote coordination with member states, and uphold EU standards. In addition to international cooperation, Síkela is to be in charge of the EU Global Gateway investment initiative, through which the EU wants to compete with China's New Silk Road project.

Regional and Senate elections in the Czech Republic will proceed as scheduled on Friday and Saturday, despite recent floods, Prime Minister Petr Fiala confirmed. The government consulted governors and election experts, ensuring that firefighters, police, and statisticians will facilitate voting in affected areas. Calls to delay the elections, including from Opava’s mayor, were rejected, as Interior Minister Vít Rakušan emphasized that postponement could challenge the elections' legitimacy.

The Czech government approved the deployment of up to 2,000 troops from Sept. 17 to Oct. 31 to assist flood-stricken areas, Defense Minister Jana Černochová announced Monday. Seven army helicopters and engineers from the 153rd Battalion in Olomouc have already been aiding recovery efforts. Černochová emphasized the army’s mission to support the hardest-hit areas and help mitigate the flood's impact.

Floods in the Moravia-Silesia Region have claimed three lives, regional officials confirmed Monday. Two men were found dead in Krnov, one in a flooded apartment and the other in a brook. On Sunday, a woman's body was discovered in the Krasovka River. Two people remain missing. Police have begun patrolling receded areas, with reports of looting in Ostrava, including theft of alcohol and cigarettes.

Czech non-profits raised over CZK 30 million in donations to aid flood victims, organizations reported Monday. People in Need collected CZK 24 million, ADRA received three million, Caritas Czech Republic 2.6 million, the Czech Red Cross 1.6 million, and Diakonie 1.2 million. Since Friday, volunteers have provided emergency assistance, food, and psychological support, with funds set to help recovery efforts in the coming weeks.

A Czech Mi-17 helicopter aided flood relief efforts in Pilchowice, Poland, where the Bobr River overflowed, Polish authorities reported Monday. The Czech Defense Ministry approved the helicopter’s deployment at Poland’s request. Heavy rains caused the river to flood, prompting controlled water releases from a dam. Czech forces have been in Poland supporting NATO since early this year.

Flood victims in Czechia can receive an emergency social benefit of up to CZK 72,900, Labor Minister Marian Jurečka announced Monday. Mobile teams will start processing aid requests on-site Tuesday. The ministry is also exploring transferring EU subsidies to fund flood repairs. Unpaid leave, nursing allowances, and alternative pension collection methods will be available for those affected. Eligibility will be based on immediate need.