Czechia braces for flooding. The memory of 1997 and 2002 looms large.
Czechia is bracing for potential severe flooding due to heavy rainfall which started on Thursday and is predicted to last for the next couple of days. Environment Minister Petr Hladík has likened the weather forecast to the years 1997 and 2002, when Czechia was hit by devastating floods. I asked hydrogeologist Jan Ďaňhelka if the situation is really that serious:
“There are definitely some similarities, such as the fact that the low-pressure system has been sitting over central Europe for a couple of days, bringing precipitation that has been accumulating over a period of two or three days.
“This phenomenon is significantly heightened due to the orographic effect, especially on the northern slopes of the Czech mountains. So the meteorological situation is very similar.
“The forecast of precipitation, which is based on numerical weather models, also shows that the amount of precipitation might be comparable to those events of 2002 and 1997.
“But there are also some differences, the first one being much lower saturation of the soil due to relatively hot and dry preceding weeks and months. Another difference is our ability to forecast the weather that enables us to be better prepared.”
So which parts of the country are most at risk of being flooded? Is it the regions below the mountain ranges in the northeast of the country?
“Yes, most flood risks at the moment result from the precipitation forecast, of course. So the highest amount of precipitation is expected in the mountainous areas of Jeseníky Mountains, but also Beskydy in the east, and in the Czech Bohemian Highland situated in the middle.
“We also shouldn’t forget the south of the country. Novohradské hory are typically exposed to high precipitation in such situations. And of course we have to be prepared that the flood will proceed downstream through the Elbe River, but also, and probably more significantly, through the rivers like Morava, Bečva and Odra in the east.
“We should also be aware that some streams in the Bohemian- Moravian Highlands in the centre of the country are also prone to that kind of situation and might be strongly affected by precipitation.”
Finally, what measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of the floods?
“Right now we are aware of the situation, so we should proceed at all levels according to the flood protection plan, which is mandatory for all localities and regions.
“But in general, we should check the situation on the rivers, see if there aren’t any obstacles in the rivers and streams, but also check the state of small reservoirs and ponds in the country, because those might present a serious threat. And then we have to follow and observe the situation and be prepared to respond and probably also cancel our plans for the weekend.”
