Czech Red Cross on the ground in areas most affected by record floods
The northern parts of Moravia and Silesia are the most affected by recent flooding in Czechia, particularly the Moravian-Silesian and Olomouc regions. Tens of thousands of people have been asked to evacuate. I interviewed the Director of the Office of the Czech Red Cross Karol Čukan to see what is being done to help those most in need in the region.
Can you provide an overview of the most affected areas and populations?
“For the current situation, we are speaking on Monday around noon, the most affected are the northern parts of Moravia, particularly Moravskoslezský (Moravian-Silesian) Region and Olomouc Region, where tens of thousands of people have been either asked to evacuate or have already evacuated and some of the regions are still cut off from the rest of the world. So, the north part of Moravia and Silesia.”
What are the main forms of aid being provided there?
“For now, coming from the Red Cross perspective, we provide shelters and temporary accommodation; we even manage to get drinking water to some of the really cut-off regions in the Jeseník area.
“We are also now helping the basic emergency system with monitoring and some basic assessment of the needs and damages. Soon, I hope even today, we will start working on psychosocial support roles for the people affected and hit by the flooding.”
And then when it comes to the shelter being provided that’s primarily to the people who have lost their electricity?
“Either that, or in many cases, these are people who had to evacuate their households because they might have been cut off, or were already in danger of being flooded.
“So, it’s not only electricity but in some cases, there were risks that you will have no way out. Instead of having problems with food or basic needs, it’s better to be evacuated to a shelter or safe space.”
Are there any specific areas where you need more volunteer support?
“We do. There is always a need and use for people who are willing to help. The best way is to reach out to a regional branch. So, if they go on our website they can look for which regional branch is closest to where they live and we hope we will soon be launching a special platform through which people can apply. This will probably come in the next few days. But now the best point is to find the local branch and say, “Look, this is what I can do.” “I'm available this and that time.” So, there is always room for volunteers.”
Lastly, what other means would you say is a good way to help if anyone listening wants to provide assistance?
“Well, we still need to properly assess the scope of the damage and the exact needs. But cash is the king even in this case.
“So, if we are asking for something, we are kindly asking for donations in money because then when we identify and we have streaming teams and assessment teams in the field, then we can use the money to buy and purchase these things. Of course, some incoordination will also be relevant but this is again on the regional level. We don’t plan on doing anything on the national level. It’s not practical to collect something in Prague and then you have to have a 200 km journey to get it to the affected area.”
