Severe flood warnings halt Czech election campaigns

Persistent heavy rains continue across most of Czechia, with warnings of extreme flooding in dozens of locations. According to meteorologists, the situation is expected to worsen, with strong winds reaching up to 100 km/h. Water management authorities have been releasing water from reservoirs, and sandbags are being prepared across affected areas. Tens of thousands of households were without electricity on Saturday morning and trains were halted on several lines due to fallen trees during the nigh. Most Czech political parties, both from the ruling coalition and the opposition, are suspending or limiting their election campaigns due to the looming flood threat. Events and meetings with citizens have been canceled, including a planned trip by opposition leader Andrej Babiš and his ANO party. Most political leaders say they aim to focus on managing the crisis rather than campaigning.