Up to 2,000 soldiers to help deal with flood damage

The government has approved the deployment of soldiers and equipment in the flood-hit areas of the Czech Republic. Up to 2,000 soldiers may be called up to join the clean-up effort from September 17 to October 31, Defence Minister Jana Černochová said on the social network X late on Monday. Seven army helicopters have been helping with the floods so far, while engineers from the 153rd Battalion in Olomouc have been assisting the effort on the ground. “The task of the Czech army is clear and we will do everything we can to help people cope with the consequences of this disaster as quickly as possible," the minister wrote.