News: Tuesday, September 17th, 2024

Flood situation in Czechia slowly stabilizing, damages expected to reach billions

The flood situation in Czechia is gradually calming, with extreme danger no longer present. However, the worst conditions remain in southern Bohemia, where the Rožmberk pond is overflowing. Damages could amount to tens of billions of crowns, according to regional officials, with insurance companies estimating losses at 17 billion Kč so far. Tens of thousands of homes remain without power, and schools remain closed in affected areas. Authorities are preparing to deploy military aid, and free vaccinations against hepatitis A will be offered in flooded regions. Rabbling incidents have been reported, and police have detained suspects in Ostrava, Krnov, and Opava.

PM promises municipalities state funds and material aid

Prime Minister Petr Fiala said the government would establish a working group which will consider how to allocate state funds to help municipalities repair the damage caused by the floods. The working group will be chaired by Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura, who said he was not ruling out the possibility of amending the state budget for this year, depending on the extent of the damage caused, which he estimates to be in the tens of billions of crowns.

The prime minister also confirmed that the State Material Reserves Administration would provide equipment needed for relief and clean-up efforts directly to municipalities and basic aid to individuals who had lost everything in the floods. This will involve drinking water tankers, especially for smaller municipalities that will have to deal with contamination of water sources, power generators, dryers, tents and blankets.

Election postponement would threaten legitimacy, says Chamber of Deputies Speaker

Postponing the upcoming regional and Senate elections would be unfeasible without declaring a state of emergency and changing the law, according to Chamber of Deputies speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová (TOP 09 Party). She warned that such a move would create legal complications and undermine the legitimacy of the elections. The Ministry of the Interior assured that it will take all necessary measures to ensure smooth voting in flood-affected areas, maintaining the legitimacy of the elections.

Up to 2,000 soldiers to help deal with flood damage

The government has approved the deployment of soldiers and equipment in the flood-hit areas of the Czech Republic. Up to 2,000 soldiers may be called up to join the clean-up effort from September 17 to October 31, Defence Minister Jana Černochová said on the social network X late on Monday. Seven army helicopters have been helping with the floods so far, while engineers from the 153rd Battalion in Olomouc have been assisting the effort on the ground. “The task of the Czech army is clear and we will do everything we can to help people cope with the consequences of this disaster as quickly as possible," the minister wrote.

Over 500 prisoners assist in flood relief efforts, prisons remain unaffected by water

More than 500 prisoners have joined efforts to combat the ongoing floods. Their work ranges from clearing debris near Ruzyně prison in Prague to helping clean up Jablonec nad Nisou and setting up protections at Olomouc’s Sigma football stadium. Inmates are also prepared to assist in flood-affected areas. The Prison Service, which has not faced any direct threats to its facilities, remains ready with up to 800 prisoners and hundreds of staff on standby. The Prison Service has also launched a voluntary donation drive to support flood-affected communities, according to spokesperson Markéta Prunerová.

Czechia to have EU commissioner for International Partnerships

Czech Industry Minister Jozef Síkela (Mayors and Independents Party has been appointed as the European Commissioner for International Partnerships in the new European Commission, as announced by President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference in Strasbourg. Síkela will oversee EU international cooperation, development policy, and the Global Gateway initiative, which aims to invest up to €300 billion in infrastructure in developing regions like Africa and India. This portfolio, previously held by Finland’s Jutta Urpilainen, includes managing the EU’s largest directorate-general, responsible for fostering democratic values, the rule of law, and human rights. According to Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party), Czechia has succeeded in its efforts to get a strong economic portfolio.

Czech crown jewels on display at Prague Castle starting today

The Czech crown jewels are now on display in the Vladislav Hall at Prague Castle until the end of September. This year’s exhibition, titled "The Mysterious Power of Stones," includes a holographic animation showing the gemstones on the crown at the time of Charles IV’s coronation in 1347. Visitors can view the jewels for free, though no tickets or reservations are available in advance. The exhibit also features the royal scepter, orb, and other regalia. President Petr Pavel has made the display an annual event to celebrate the feast of St. Wenceslas on September 28.

Weather

Mostly clear to partly cloudy, with occasional showers or thunderstorms in areas of increased cloudiness. Highs will range from 20 to 25°C.