Central Europe warns of severe flooding

Central Prague submerged under water; Danube River rises above 12 metres on June 3 - record high since 16th century.

Today (June 3), the Czech Republic and Slovakia had to issue flood warnings in many cities across the country, in the context of floods raging, causing heavy damage throughout the Central European region.

In the Czech Republic's capital Prague, volunteers are building sandbags to hold back rapidly rising flood waters on the Vltava River.

Central Prague was submerged in the worst flooding in a decade.

The Czech army has also been deployed to set up mobile metal barriers across the city to contain the floodwaters. The water level of the Vltava River, which cuts through Prague, continues to rise and is expected to reach its peak in 2002.

Part of the old town in Passau, southern Germany, was flooded yesterday morning. Heavy rains are causing widespread flooding in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. Photo:AP

Meanwhile, the Slovakian Hydrometeorological Service today (June 3) announced a level 3 flood warning - the highest warning level, in areas along the Danube River.

The agency said that rainfall in the upper reaches of the Danube River, which flows through Germany and Austria, had decreased in the past 24 hours, but warned that water levels could continue to rise if the rain continued in the coming days.

The Danube River flowing through the German border city of Passau, bordering Austria, rose above 12 meters today (June 3), a record high since the 16th century.

According to German media, the city of Passau was almost submerged in floodwaters. Rescuers had to use motorboats to reach areas where people were trapped.

The southern German city of Bavaria is also battling severe flooding. The road linking Munich, Germany, with Salzburg, Austria, has been closed due to floodwaters.

According to statistics from the European Commission, floods have caused the most damage in the Central European countries of Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.

Floods claimed the lives of five people in the Czech Republic last weekend. Three people are missing in the Austrian city of Salzburg due to flooding.

The European Commission has sent condolences and announced support for countries devastated by floods.

“The European Union family stands ready to support countries affected by natural disasters with the EU Unity Fund,” said Shirin Wheeler, spokeswoman for the European Commissioner for Regional Policy. “It is too early to assess the damage, but as a rule, the three EU countries affected by natural disasters will receive the necessary support.”

In 2002, Central Europe was also severely devastated by severe flooding, killing at least 17 people in the Czech Republic and causing economic damage of 20 billion euros./.

According to VOV - DT