Czech Cities Prepare for Evacuations, Power Outages Expected

Cities across the Czech Republic are preparing for evacuations and reinforcing flood barriers as heavy rains continue, raising the threat of severe flooding.

Some residents have already been forced to leave their homes in flood-prone areas. By this afternoon, thousands of households were without electricity due to trees and branches falling on power lines, primarily caused by the rain and strong winds.

The most critical conditions are expected to hit over the weekend, with rainfall predicted to intensify. The extreme flood alert covers all of Moravia and Silesia, Vysočina, as well as parts of Bohemia.

Even Prague and most of the Central Bohemian Region are bracing for high water levels.

Petr Hladík, the Environment Minister, stated after a meeting of the Central Flood Commission that small streams are most at risk, particularly overnight and into Saturday.

The town of Jeseník is among the areas at highest risk. Local authorities are drafting plans for the possible evacuation of residents. Temporary shelters have been arranged in local high schools, and some residents may be moved to spa facilities or the town’s theatre.

In parts of the Pardubice region, including Chrudim, residents are also being advised to prepare for potential evacuation, with water levels expected to reach or exceed 100-year flood levels.

In Veverská Bítýška, authorities have ordered evacuations from local cottage areas, and residents in nearby streets have been advised to have emergency bags packed, ready to leave at short notice.

Firefighters in Brno safely evacuated 125 people, including 120 students, from a flooded bridge. The evacuation was completed without any injuries, with the group being guided using a safety rope.

In the Central Bohemian Region, the Sázava River poses a major threat, with predictions that its flow could exceed the 100-year water level.

Meanwhile, the Vltava River in Prague is forecasted to peak on Sunday night. Water levels could rise by as much as 60 to 80 centimetres, though the flow is not expected to exceed the second flood level.

With more rain expected through the weekend, there are official warnings that flooding could reach levels similar to those in 1997 or 2002.

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