Severe flooding strikes Czechia, with thousands evacuated in Moravia

The Czech Republic is grappling with severe flooding on Sunday morning as heavy rains and storms continue to impact the country. Rivers across the country have surged beyond their banks, inundating towns and cities with floodwater.

The deluge has led to widespread damage, with homes, businesses, and infrastructure all affected. Emergency services including firefighters are working tirelessly to manage the situation and provide assistance to those in need.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute forecasts more rain today, exacerbating the already dire conditions. Authorities have issued flood warnings in multiple regions, and the situation remains critical as rainfall persists. 

Evacuations and hardest hit areas

The severe flooding has prompted extensive evacuation efforts across multiple regions in the Czech Republic. The Moravian-Silesian Region, particularly in the towns of Karviná and Opava, has been hit hard. In Karviná, authorities have evacuated approximately 1,500 residents from flood-prone areas. In Opava, around 1,200 individuals have been relocated to emergency shelters.

In the Olomouc region, approximately 1,900 people have been evacuated due to severe flooding, with emergency responders utilizing boats for rescue operations. Over 300 evacuees are currently sheltered in emergency centers, while others have found refuge with family or friends. Emergency services have conducted around 1,000 interventions in the past 24 hours.

In the South Bohemian Region, České Budějovice has also experienced substantial flooding, leading to the evacuation of around 800 residents. The rising water levels have overwhelmed local infrastructure, necessitating immediate action to protect lives and property. Shelters have been established in community centers and schools to accommodate those displaced by the floods.

In addition to these major evacuation efforts, smaller towns and rural areas have also been affected. In total, over 5,000 people across the country have been evacuated as a result of the flooding. Emergency services are working to ensure that all displaced individuals receive necessary assistance, including temporary housing, food, and medical care.

Local authorities are prioritizing the safety of residents in the most affected areas, coordinating with national and regional agencies to manage the crisis. They continue to assess the situation and are prepared to expand evacuation efforts if the flooding worsens or additional areas are deemed at risk.

Homes without power

The severe flooding has caused widespread power outages, affecting thousands of homes and businesses. ČEZ Group, which manages much of the country's electricity supply, has reported significant disruptions in several regions, including in major cities such as Prague, Brno, and Pilsen. Power restoration efforts are underway, but the extent of the damage has complicated the process.

Many residents are enduring prolonged periods without electricity, which is further straining emergency services and local resources. Utility companies are working around the clock to restore power and provide updates to affected areas.

Trains and travel disruptions

Travel across the Czech Republic has been heavily disrupted due to the flooding. Several train services have been suspended or delayed, particularly in the hardest-hit regions. Czech Railways has issued warnings about service interruptions and advises travelers to check for updates before heading to stations.

Road travel is also challenging, with many roads closed due to rising water levels and damage. Traffic disruptions are widespread, and commuters are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel and follow updates from local authorities and transportation agencies.

Situation in Prague

In Prague, the situation remains under control, but the city is not immune to the effects of the flooding. The water level of Vltava River has risen significantly, leading to localized flooding in some areas. The city has implemented precautionary measures, including deploying sandbags and closing certain streets to manage the impact.

Public transport in the city has been affected, with the entrance to the C Line at the Muzeum metro station closed and operation of the Petřín cable car suspended until further notice. Other public transport lines have been affected; an updated list can be found here.

City officials are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with emergency services to address any issues that arise. While the main infrastructure in Prague is intact, residents are advised to stay informed about any changes and follow instructions from local authorities to ensure their safety.