English Section

Poland alerts citizens to flood risk in Czech Republic and Austria

13.09.2024 15:00
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is warning Polish citizens about the flood threat in the Czech Republic and Austria.
From left Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan (STAN) and Environment Minister Petr Hladik speak during the meeting of Central Crisis Staff in Prague, Czech Republic, September 13, 2024.
From left Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan (STAN) and Environment Minister Petr Hladik speak during the meeting of Central Crisis Staff in Prague, Czech Republic, September 13, 2024. (CTK Photo/Vit Simanek) Dostawca: PAP/CTK

This alert is due to heavy rainfall forecasted for the coming days. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a high-level flood alert.

Intense rainfall is expected across the country, potentially leading to significant river level rises, causing flooding and inundations.

Similarly, Austria's Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics has issued a red alert, the highest level, in effect until Monday.

The Ministry urges Poles to exercise extreme caution and to stay updated with local weather and emergency services' reports.

Central Europe is preparing for severe flooding, with sandbags being readied in Austria, reservoirs in the Czech Republic being drained, and flash floods anticipated in Poland.

On Friday, Prague began implementing flood defenses as Czech forecasters extended a high-risk warning for extreme rainfall, affecting the capital and other regions.

Heavy rain is expected to deliver more than a third of the annual rainfall in some areas by Sunday, with similar weather predicted for central Europe, including parts of Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia.

Czech authorities and neighboring countries are taking preventive measures, including emptying reservoirs and canceling events, to mitigate potential flooding and protect property and public health.

Source: IAR/MSZ/X/@LivCreativ2024/@PLinAustria/@PLinCzechia

(m p)