Prague Takes Preventive Flood Measures, Closes Embankments

Prague is gearing up for a potential flood as water levels in the Vltava River continue to rise.

In response, the city has initiated several preventive measures, including the closure of the gates on the Čertovka canal and the installation of an automatic sandbagging machine on Rohanský Island.

On Friday, September 13, the flood gates on the Čertovka canal will be closed at 10 am on Friday and the river embankments will be closed to the public from mid-day Friday. City officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure swift action if conditions worsen.

Meanwhile, officers from the Prague City Police, personnel from the Police Department, employees of the Service Administration, and volunteer firefighters are on standby to provide assistance.

At a meeting on Thursday, Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda explained that outflows from key tributaries of the Vltava River, such as the Sázava, will be increased to help dams and other waterworks manage the rising water levels.

The outdoor events which were due to be held there at the weekend have been cancelled. Barriers are being erected at high-risk places.

The Vltava River Basin Authority and the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) have predicted that water flow in the Vltava could exceed 450 cubic meters per second. As a result, the river level near Charles Bridge is expected to rise by 60 centimeters.

In addition, ferry services are being adjusted to cope with the anticipated rise in water levels.

From 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, the P4 ferry (Dostihová – Belárie) was suspended. Other ferries are currently operating as usual, but further changes may be announced depending on conditions.

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