News: Friday, September 13th, 2024

Czechia braces for weekend of heavy rain and floods

Heavy rainfall affected nearly all of Czechia. With more rain expected through the weekend, there are official warnings that flooding could reach levels similar to those in 1997 or 2002. 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 that they aim to focus on managing the crisis rather than campaigning.

Firefighters evacuate 120 students from flooded bridge near Brno

In the Brno region, firefighters safely evacuated 125 people, including 120 students, from a flooded bridge. The evacuation was completed without any injuries, with the group being guided using a safety rope. They were transferred to a safe area for further transport. The flooding was confined to the bridge, but there were concerns that people might be stranded.

Flood gates closed in Prague's Čertovka canal, barriers to be built

Due to rising flood risks, Prague closes the embankments in districts along the Vltava river and erect flood barriers in the city center, Zbraslav, and Libeň as a precaution. The closures take effect Friday evening, with boat traffic on the Vltava expected to stop on Saturday. Following a flood commission meeting, a city spokesperson confirmed these measures. The city also closed safety gates at Čertovka canal in the city center and plans to build around 200 meters of barriers. A flood alert was declared starting at 3pm Friday, the second level of a three-tier warning system.

First snow on Krkonoše ridges, strong winds halt some cable cars

The first snow of the upcoming winter season has fallen on the ridges of the Krkonoše Mountains in the northeast of Czechia. Strong winds and weather warnings have halted several cable cars in the area. The Mountain Rescue Service advises against ridge hikes this weekend due to risks from slippery and icy paths. Additionally, heavy rain and snowfall are expected at higher elevations. The cable car to Sněžka Mountain was halted due to winds exceeding 100 km/h. Other "summer" cable cars in the region are also closed, with extreme weather predicted to last until Monday.

Czech Railways allow ticket returns without a fee due to extreme weather

Due to expected extreme weather, Czech Railways (ČD) has introduced a special measure allowing passengers to return both domestic and international tickets without any deductions, even on the day of travel. This applies to tickets valid from today until Sunday, as heavy rains are forecasted, posing risks of flooding across the country. The special rule applies to tickets purchased via ČD’s counters, e-shop, or the "Můj vlak" app, and only to ČD fare tickets. Passengers are advised to monitor updates on railway conditions, as severe weather may disrupt services.

Czechia to establish a children's ombudsman by mid-2025

The Czech Parliament is expected to approve the creation of a children’s ombudsman, who will operate within the Office of the Public Defender of Rights starting by July 2025. This new role is designed to improve child rights protection and fulfill UN requirements, aligning with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The children’s ombudsman will oversee child rights, promote education on these rights, and act in legal cases involving minors. The ombudsman will work independently alongside the current public defender. Budget implications remain unclear, with estimates ranging from millions to tens of millions of crowns.

Company growth in Czechia: nearly 10,0000 new firms established in 2024

In the first eight months of 2024, 9,496 new companies were established in Czechia, marking an increase of 854 compared to the same period in 2023. According to data from CRIF - Czech Credit Bureau, August alone saw 2,478 new firms, while 1,449 companies ceased operations. The fastest growth was observed in the energy sector, driven by interest in renewable energy. In contrast, the retail sector saw more company closures than new firms. The largest concentration of new companies was in Prague, followed by the Jihomoravský and Moravskoslezský regions.

Weather

Cloudy with rain, locally heavy, with temperatures between 10 and 15°C. Strong winds up to 90 km/h, easing in the afternoon in some areas.