Prague offers aid to flood-hit regions as situation in capital stabilizes

While floods continue to devastate other regions of the Czech Republic, including Moravia-Silesia and Olomouc, the situation in Prague following recent heavy rainfall and rising water levels has stabilized, city officials confirmed this afternoon at a press conference.

Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda announced that the city has offered assistance to regions still grappling with severe flooding, especially those in Moravia. Prague police officers have already been dispatched to the affected areas.

"Because the situation in Prague is so favorable, we offered help at a meeting with the governors of the other regions in case they need it. They can contact our crisis center," Svoboda stated. "A large group of police officers has already been sent to Moravia to areas that are heavily burdened."

In the Czech capital, the first and lowest of three flood warning levels is currently in effect. According to Deputy Mayor Jana Komrsková, this flood warning level is expected to stay in place over the coming week. Precautions have been taken across the city to prevent potential flooding in key areas.

"Prague is intensively monitoring the flood situation and has taken all the necessary steps to prevent a complicated spread of water," Svoboda added. "That's why the gates on the Čertovka canal and Divadelní Street are closed, we have dikes built in places where water could overflow."

Ferry services on the Vltava River have been suspended until further notice. Public transport disruptions, including the closure of the entrance to the C Line at the Muzeum metro station and suspension of the operation of the Petřín Funicular, can be monitored on the website of Prague Integrated Transport.

Since Thursday, firefighters have responded to approximately 300 incidents related to flooding in Prague. These include pumping out water, monitoring watercourses, and building flood defenses. Additionally, firefighters dealt with about 100 incidents involving fallen trees due to strong winds.

In one incident, Prague firefighters and police rescued a man from the Vltava River after he jumped into the water near Palacký Bridge and was swept away by strong currents. He was eventually pulled from the river near Lužický seminář, a couple of kilometers downstream.

Luděk Prudil, head of Prague Fire and Rescue Service, urged citizens to avoid such risky behavior, noting the danger posed by the floodwaters. As a preventative measure, emergency crews are patrolling the city to identify and mitigate any potential risks.

No evacuations have been necessary in Prague, and the city remains prepared to assist other regions if needed. Still, the city has advised residents and visitors to avoid waterways as well as parks due to the danger of falling trees and branches. Prague Zoo announced this afternoon that it will remain closed through at least Tuesday.

Rainfall is forecast to continue over the coming days, but water levels on the Vltava River in Prague are not expected to significantly rise.