Floods in Czechia: day 3
Water levels on upper river courses are beginning to recede as water flows from the mountains to lower areas. Flood alert remains in more than 200 locations across Czechia.
Southern Bohemia at risk
Environment Minister Petr Hladík identified southern Bohemia as one of the most at-risk areas for Monday, especially around the Lužnice and Nežárka rivers. While no immediate evacuation is necessary for Veselí nad Lužnicí, the threat of significant flooding remains, with the Nežárka expected to peak late Monday afternoon. Heavy rain is forecast for the region, with up to 70 mm expected in the Šumava and Novohradské Mountains.
Critical river levels in various regions
Extreme flood risks remain for the Odra, Opava, and Branná rivers in Jeseníky, as well as the Novohradka river in Pardubice. On Sunday evening, a flood wave from the Morava River arrived in Litovel, flooding several streets. The Morava River is expected to peak on Monday around noon, with the morning being critical. Meanwhile, the situation in Krnov and Jeseník remains tense, with some areas like Ostrava’s Nová Ves district still worsening despite a slight drop in water levels.
Novohradka river exceeds century-old flood levels
The Novohradka River in eastern Bohemia rose to 360 cm, surpassing the hundred-year flood level. Six homes were evacuated in Lozice and two more in nearby Luže on Saturday. By Sunday, 200 people from Luže and surrounding areas had to evacuate. Meanwhile, the Brno dam is expected to reach its maximum level by Monday, requiring an increase in the Svratka River outflow, though no evacuations are anticipated.
Flood wave progress
The flood wave is expected to continue moving downstream, threatening areas like Úhřetice, Chroustovice, and others. While water levels in the upper courses of rivers are receding, they are still rising in lower areas. Fortunately, extreme flooding is no longer expected in Podhradí nad Dyjí as the Dyje River’s level has been dropping since the evening.
Opava sees relief as water recedes
Opava, one of the most affected cities, saw water levels start to recede by Sunday night, and the city is preparing for cleanup. However, many residents remain without hot water, as Veolia had to shut down the Třebovice power plant in Ostrava, and the Krnov heating plant is also out of service. Thousands of households remain without electricity, and over 12,000 people have been evacuated nationwide due to flooding.
Flood alert reductions
Flood alerts have reduced by 40 locations in the last 24 hours. As of early Monday morning, 222 locations remain under alert, with a third of them experiencing the highest level of flooding or an extreme flood warning. Many households remain without power in affected regions.
Ongoing travel and safety warnings
Citizens are advised to avoid areas like Jesenicko, Ostravsko, and Opavsko due to damaged roads and the still-closed D1 near Bohumín. Train services remain disrupted, particularly in Ostrava’s railway tunnel. Environment Minister Hladík warned people to avoid parks and forests due to the danger of falling trees and branches, which could cause serious injury or death.
