News

Czechia remains in the grip of an extreme heatwave after temperatures reached 40.1 degrees Celsius in Doksany on Thursday, breaking July 30 records at 114 long-term weather stations. Forecasters say similarly extreme temperatures are expected again on Friday, with highs of up to 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country.

Meteorologists have warned of an extreme heat burden, urging people to avoid dehydration and overheating. The high temperatures could also cause further disruption to transport and energy infrastructure.

The heat has already damaged a railway track between Unhošť and Kladno, halting rail services for several hours, and is hampering efforts to contain a large forest fire near Nové Vrbno in the Opava region, where around 150 firefighters and helicopters have been battling a blaze covering some 27 hectares.

Former Czech president Václav Klaus and Culture Minister Oto Klempíř will deliver speeches at the state funeral of artist, musician and educator Milan Knížák, who died on Sunday at the age of 86.

The funeral will take place at Prague's Strašnice Crematorium on August 7. It will be held with state honours, including a three-volley ceremonial salute, following a government decision and with the consent of Knížák's family.

The ceremony will be open to the public, although media will only be allowed into the hall before it begins, in line with the family's wishes.

President Petr Pavel has thanked the Czech USAR rescue team for its work following the devastating earthquake in Venezuela at the turn of June and July, praising its professionalism and dedication.

Around 60 rescuers were honoured during a ceremony at Prague Castle's Deer Moat on Thursday. The firefighters also presented President Pavel with the First Class Hero of Venezuela humanitarian award, which Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, had bestowed on Czechia.

The Czech Fire Rescue Service is sending a wildfire expert to Brussels to help monitor and coordinate the response to forest fires across Europe and the Mediterranean during the peak fire season.

Firefighter Martin Tomášek from the Karlovy Vary Regional Fire Rescue Service will serve as a liaison officer at the EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre. The centre operates around the clock, monitoring emergencies and coordinating assistance under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

As part of the EU's Wildfire Support Team, Tomášek will monitor and analyse wildfire situations, assess available firefighting resources and help coordinate support for countries affected by major forest fires.