Prague closes Střelecký Island due to flood risk; park trips discouraged

In response to recent extreme rainfall and rising water levels in the Vltava River, Prague 1 has closed Střelecký Island for precautionary reasons. Authorities are also advising Prague residents avoid parks due to concerns over unstable trees and potential hazards. Playground closures are also in effect in various parks across the city.

The Vltava River is currently at the first of three flood warning levels. Similarly, the Dalejský and Rokytka tributaries on the outskirt of Prague are also at the first flood level, while the Botič River in the city's Petrovice neighborhood has reached the second flood warning level.

The current situation is based on reports from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute and municipal offices. Rainfall is expected to continue throughout Saturday, with river water levels forecast to reach their highest levels overnight and into Sunday morning.

On Saturday morning, firefighters and volunteers continued to erect flood barriers in threatened areas of the city such as Holešovice and Stromovka. Additionally, ferries and boat traffic have been halted, and embankments are closed.

Prague 1 has taken preventive measures by closing Střelecký Island, and residents are urged to stay away from parks to avoid the risk of falling trees due to the saturated soil. Střelecký Island was one of the areas worst hit by 2012 floods in the Czech capital.

Nearby Slovanský Island had also been closed to the public on Saturday due to the NATO Military Committee meeting at Žofín Palace, which was attended by Czech President Petr Pavel among others.

Prague 7 has warned that trees in Stromovka Park may become unstable, while Prague 11 has advised against visiting the Hostivař Forest Park, highlighting the dangerous conditions due to the highly saturated soil. Areas around the Hostivař Reservoir and the Botič River are also deemed hazardous.

Children’s playgrounds in Prague including those at Stromovka, Hvězda, Letná, and Petřín parks have been closed as a safety measure, according to Prague Deputy Mayor Jana Komrsková.

Preparations are also underway at the Výstaviště Exhibition Grounds in Prague 7 to relocate equipment from the recently renovated Spirála Theater, which is scheduled to reopen in early October. The theater was damaged by floods in 2002, and closed for decades before undergoing extensive repairs costing hundreds of millions of crowns.

Prague Zoo announced on Saturday morning that it would close for the weekend due to the severe weather conditions; the Zoo was one of the locations hardest hit by 2002 floods in Prague. Operation of the Petřín Funicular has also been suspended until further notice, and Prague public transport has seen numerous disruptions; an updated list can be found here.