In response to heavy rain and the fear of flooding, Prague has locked its river embankments and the gates of the Čertovka canal.

The decision was made after consulting with meteorologists and flood-prevention officials. The goal is to keep the Vltava River level from rising if the flow rate surpasses 450 cubic meters per second. This would set off the initial stage of flood activity.

Since Friday, the city has been in communication with the Vltava River Basin, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, and other relevant organizations. The situation is being closely followed, and precautions have been made to protect the lives and property of the city’s citizens.

There are concerns that downpours could occur in the coming days. The Vltava River’s flow rate is projected to climb around 8 p.m. on the day of the closure.

Before the precautionary measures were implemented, the river’s water level was around 400 cubic meters per second.

It has been more than 20 years since the devastating floods that took property and lives and caused tens of billions in damage in August 2002.

“We expect that the current level of the Vltava will be maintained until the end of this week, after which it should start to drop,” said meteorologist Dagmar Honsová.

Prague adopted flood protection measures already on Sunday evening. Among them, the clearing and closing of embankments on the territory of Prague 1, 2 and 5.

Officers and the Technical Administration of Communications have placed barriers in front of their entrances.