The flood situation in the Czech Republic is showing signs of improvement. Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) announced on Tuesday evening that the extreme danger has now passed across the country. However, in South Bohemia, the situation remains critical as the Rožmberk pond has burst its banks, causing uncontrolled water flow into surrounding areas. The town of Veselí nad Lužnicí, currently at immediate risk, will decide on a potential evacuation on Wednesday.
Elsewhere, damage assessments have begun. Initial estimates by the Czech Insurance Association suggest that insured losses amount to approximately CZK 17 billion. The damage is evenly split between private households and businesses, making this likely the second largest claims burden in the history of Czech insurance companies, reports newsportal idnes.cz. The number of claims has surged since Tuesday, and the first compensation payments have already been issued.
So far, three fatalities have been reported, and eight people remain missing. The Moravian-Silesian region has been especially hard-hit, with over 15,000 people evacuated. Prime Minister Fiala noted that it could take months before all roads and railway lines in the region are fully operational again. The main railway station in Ostrava, which handles 360 trains daily, remains submerged. “It will be several months before operations can be fully resumed,” Fiala said.
After his visit to the affected areas, Fiala highlighted the extensive damage to flooded homes. He commended the efforts of both the local population and rescue services and promised support in delivering urgent aid to affected communities.
Regions less impacted by the storm have already begun organizing humanitarian collections for flood victims. Support is being coordinated with various aid organizations, and emergency services are assisting one another. If you wish to contribute, here is a list of aid organizations with donation accounts for flood relief:
Donation accounts:
Charita ČR: 44665522/0800, VS 906
Diakonie Českobratrské církve evangelické: 2100691426/2010
Český červený kříž: 333999/2700, VS 2404
ADRA: 66888866/0300, VS 391
Člověk v tísni: 72027202/0300
You can also check the account numbers on the website of the respective organisations.
