Czechia

Health Warning: Czech Floods Could Contaminate Drinking Water

Despite the lack of concrete evidence of water contamination from recent floods, Czech Chief Sanitary Doctor Barbora Macková has recommended that all residents temporarily boil tap water before drinking. Speaking to the ČTK news agency on Tuesday, September 17, Macková stressed that while there is currently no confirmed damage to water treatment facilities or pipelines, precautionary measures should be taken. Macková emphasized that residents of private homes—particularly those relying on wells—should avoid using well water and instead opt for bottled water or water from imported cisterns. “At the moment, we have no information indicating any problems. No rise in infectious diseases has been reported in any region. However, floods can create conditions for infections, such as leptospirosis or hepatitis A,” Macková explained. She also highlighted the start of the respiratory disease season, advising people involved in flood cleanup efforts to wear protective gear like sturdy shoes and gloves to minimize health risks. “Since infectious diseases can spread even after water dries, and dust particles containing bacteria can be inhaled, we recommend wearing medical masks or respirators while cleaning or assisting others,” the chief epidemiologist advised. Macková further warned against consuming food that had come into contact with floodwater, citing the...

 by Prague Morning Sep 17, 2024

Billions Needed to Repair Flood Damage in Czechia as First Aid Arrives

The Czech government and regional authorities are beginning to assess the devastating flood damage and have started releasing the first funds to the affected regions. The Ministry of Regional Development has already allocated hundreds of millions of crowns for the repair of roads, bridges, and schools. Additionally, the Czech Republic will apply for financial assistance from the EU Solidarity Fund, while local governments are contributing more resources. For instance, the Olomouc Region has pledged a quarter of a billion crowns for flood recovery. According to Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura (ODS), the total damage is likely to reach tens of billions of crowns. The EU Solidarity Fund was established in 2002 after devastating floods impacted Central Europe, including the Czech Republic. Since its creation, the fund has provided over €8.2 billion (CZK 205 billion) to EU countries affected by more than 130 emergencies. Following a meeting with President Petr Pavel, Finance Minister Stanjura did not rule out the possibility of amending the state budget to accommodate the reconstruction needs. He emphasized that while more precise estimates of the damage will be available soon, the financial impact could reach tens of billions of crowns. As with previous natural disasters, such as floods...

 by Prague Morning Sep 17, 2024

Czech Cities Rank High in New Global Quality of Life Study

A new global quality of life ranking by the British Institute for Quality of Life has placed several Czech cities among the world’s top locations to live. The ranking evaluates cities based on key factors like education, inclusive policies, economy, mobility, environmental protection, and access to green spaces. The top 37 cities, forming the so-called “gold category,” excel in these areas through real, tangible solutions that positively impact their residents’ daily lives. Topping the list is Aarhus, Denmark, followed by Zurich, Switzerland, Berlin, Germany, Gothenburg, Sweden, and Amsterdam, Netherlands. These cities are praised for their commitment to enhancing the quality of life, prioritizing green infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable urban development. Prague and Brno Among Global Leaders Among Czech cities, Prague ranks highest at 67th place, surpassing well-known global cities like Lucerne (Switzerland), Tel Aviv (Israel), and Washington D.C. (USA). The Czech capital’s strong performance highlights its emphasis on urban mobility, green spaces, and a growing innovation sector. Another Czech city, Brno, also made the top 100, coming in at 83rd. Brno’s focus on education, technological advancement, and sustainability earned it a respectable spot on the global scale. Kladno Surprises, Beating Sydney and San Francisco One of the more surprising entries...

 by Prague Morning Sep 16, 2024

Here’s How You Can Help Victims of the Floods in Czechia

As the Czech Republic continues to battle severe floods, a remarkable wave of solidarity has emerged among local residents and organizations. Torrential rains have caused widespread damage, and many people in the hardest-hit areas are struggling to cope. In response, humanitarian organizations and state institutions have mobilized to offer assistance through emergency collections and direct support. Humanitarian Aid Efforts Humanitarian collections have been launched by organizations such as People in Need and ADRA, offering both financial assistance and essential supplies like dryers, food, and psychosocial support. These initiatives also provide alternative housing options and deploy volunteers to help with rebuilding efforts in the affected regions. People in Need has allocated CZK 1 million in direct aid, with teams on the ground in Olomouc and Jesenice actively involved in repairing damage and distributing materials, including sacks for flood barriers. Meanwhile, the SOS ADRA: Floods 2024 collection has raised CZK 624,000 as of Sunday morning. Donations can still be made via Darujme.cz or directly to the account number 66 8888 66/0300, using variable symbol 391. Psychosocial Support and Volunteer Action Beyond material and financial aid, organisations such as Diakonie ČCE and others are offering psychosocial support and crisis intervention. Volunteers are working...

 by Prague Morning Sep 15, 2024

Day Four of Floods in Czechia: Thousands Affected, Evacuations Underway

River levels across the Czech Republic are rising rapidly, causing floods in hundreds of towns and villages. As of 5 a.m. Sunday, authorities reported flooding in 258 locations, with nearly a third of them at stage three, the highest warning level for dangerous flooding. Approximately 260,000 households in the Czech Republic were without electricity due to adverse weather conditions. Authorities have advised people to avoid forests and parks altogether due to the heightened risk of falling trees, as wind and waterlogged soil weaken their stability. Evacuations Underway in Hardest-Hit Areas The Moravian-Silesian Region has seen the most severe impact, with thousands already evacuated from their homes. In Opava, where the Opava River has overflowed, the situation is particularly precarious. Residents received urgent text messages from the fire brigade warning them to evacuate immediately. Local authorities are opening more evacuation centers. Floodwaters could surpass the devastating levels seen in 1997. River levels continued to rise overnight, with the worst conditions reported in Moravia-Silesia and northern Olomouc, as well as southern Bohemia on Sunday morning. In the town of Prachatice, water overflowed the Husinec dam, while Český Těšín and Krnov saw evacuations. Around 40 railway lines have been closed. The main issue...

 by Prague Morning Sep 15, 2024

Vltava River Expected to Peak at Flood Stage on Saturday Night

Prague is preparing for significant flooding as the Vltava River is expected to reach its peak from Saturday to Sunday, with water levels projected to stay below flood stage three. Heavy rain and strong winds have already caused substantial disruptions throughout the city. In response, precautionary measures have been put in place, including the closure of Střelecký Island and several playgrounds. Additionally, warnings about the risk of falling trees have been issued in Prague 7 and Prague 11, and the Prague Zoo is closed. The combination of intense rainfall and strong winds is exacerbating the situation, increasing the risk of falling trees across the city. The Prague 1 Municipal District has closed Střelecký Island as a precaution. Playground closures are in effect in various parks, and Prague 7 has warned about potential falling trees in Stromovka Park. Prague 11 has advised against visiting Hostivař Forest Park. “The ground is highly saturated, and the stability of trees is unpredictable, creating a significant risk of falling. It is also dangerous to move around the Hostivař Dam and along the Botič River,” stated municipal authorities. Deputy Mayor Jana Komrsková (Pirates) announced the closure of playgrounds in Stromovka, Hvězda, Letná, and Petřín. The Prague...

 by Prague Morning Sep 14, 2024

Czechia Faces Flooding Threat: What We Know So Far

Heavy rain has pounded mostly eastern parts of the Czech Republic since Thursday, and the most affected areas may see more than a third of annual rainfall over four days by Sunday. Similar weather has been forecast around central Europe, including southern Germany and parts of Austria, Poland, and Slovakia over the coming days. Střelecký Island has been closed due to safety concerns as heavy rainfall has destabilized trees in the area. Waterlogged soil has increased the risk of falling trees, prompting city authorities to advise residents to stay away from parks throughout the city. The Vltava River has also seen dangerously high water levels, raising concerns about potential flooding. As a precaution, flood barriers are being constructed in high-risk areas, including Holešovice and Stromovka. River transport has been completely suspended, with ferries and other boat traffic halted for the foreseeable future. In addition, Prague Zoo has been closed to the public to ensure the safety of both visitors and animals. Major parks such as Stromovka and Petřín have shut down their children’s playgrounds. In the city center, rainwater caused a partial closure of the Muzeum Metro station on Friday night. Water seeping through the ceiling of one of the...

 by Prague Morning Sep 14, 2024

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...

 by Prague Morning Sep 13, 2024

PHOTOS: First Snow of the Season Falls in Czechia

On the morning of Thursday, September 12, the first snow of the autumn-winter season arrived in the Czech Republic. The snow covered Velký Javor, the highest peak in the Šumava National Park, which stands at 1,300 meters above sea level. Overnight, temperatures at Velký Javor dropped to around +2°C, allowing light snowfall to occur in areas above 1,300 meters. The snowfall, however, was light, with no more than one centimeter settling on the ground. Meteorologists predict that today’s snow will melt quickly, but additional snowfall is expected on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This snowfall comes earlier than in 2023, when the first snow was delayed until October 8 due to an unusually warm autumn. The year before, the first snow arrived on September 18.       A video of today’s snowfall:   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by WeLoveŠumava (@welovesumava) Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

 by Prague Morning Sep 12, 2024

German Discounter Woolworth Set to Enter Czech Market by 2025

Woolworth, a well-known German discount retail chain, has announced plans to expand into the Czech and Slovak markets. This development was reported by the financial news portal Peníze on Monday, September 9th. “We can confirm that we are preparing to enter the Slovak and Czech markets,” said Roland Rissel, a representative from Woolworth’s press office. “We are currently in negotiations with property managers in both countries and are working towards finalizing lease agreements.” While details about the specific locations and number of stores remain under wraps, the company aims to open its first outlets in both countries by the end of 2025. Woolworth is recognized for offering a wide range of products, including household items, clothing, electronics, cosmetics, toys, and more, all at prices below the market average. With over 700 stores already established in Germany, the chain is one of the fastest-growing in the country. The management has ambitious plans to increase the number of stores to 1,500 in the medium term. In the Czech Republic, Woolworth will be entering a competitive market, going head-to-head with other popular discount retailers such as Action, Pepco, and Kik. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

 by Prague Morning Sep 12, 2024

On September 28th Czechs Celebrate St. Wenceslas Day

At the end of September, the entire country belongs to the patron saint of the Czech people. They honor the memory of St. Václav on the day when he was murdered by his brother. One of the most famous monuments in the whole of Prague, and perhaps the whole of the Czech Republic, is the statue of St. Václav on Wenceslas (Václav) Square. And it’s not just because this Czech prince is watching over one of the largest squares in the Czech Republic from his saddle. Nor is it because he has witnessed, astride his horse, many of the major events in the history of this country. St. Václav is the patron of the Czech lands and the most popular saint here. His day falls on 28 September, when the Czech Republic celebrates Statehood Day. Come join in. Saint Wenceslas – the patron saint of the Czech lands Wenceslas was a Czech prince, who, after his murder, became a symbol of Czech statehood and a Catholic saint. He was born in 907 and was apparently murdered on September 28, 935. There are not sufficiently reliable contemporary sources for a precise reconstruction of the life of Wenceslas. His life can be...

 by Prague Morning Sep 12, 2024

Highest Flood Alert Issued Across Czech Republic

On Wednesday, September 11, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) issued a third-level, maximum flood danger warning across most regions of the Czech Republic. This alert follows predictions of a significant increase in river levels due to continuous and heavy rainfall forecasted from Thursday to Sunday, September 12-15. According to ČHMÚ, the south-eastern regions and mountainous areas in the north and north-east could receive an average of 150 to 250 mm of rain over the four-day period. In some areas, particularly around the Jeseníky mountains, rainfall may exceed 300 mm. In other parts of the country, except for the western and north-western regions, rainfall levels are expected to range between 100 to 150 mm. Extreme precipitation is also expected in the Vysočina, South Bohemia, Hradec Králové and Liberec regions. In response to the escalating situation, Czech Environment Minister Marek Vyborny has scheduled an emergency briefing for 3:00 PM, where he is expected to provide further details on the measures being taken. “These are really extreme rainfalls that may come to the Czech territory,” Environment Minister Petr Hladik told a news conference. He said strong winds may fell trees, threatening lives and property. “There will be saturation of soil, forests, and flash...

 by Prague Morning Sep 11, 2024

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