The Vltava River in Český Krumlov, South Bohemia, has surged to the third degree of flood activity, with the water level rapidly reaching 220 centimeters, prompting local authorities to take swift measures to address the emerging crisis.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has been actively updating the public on the situation through its Facebook profile. Heavy rainfall has triggered a proactive response from water managers, who initiated an increase in water release from the Lipno reservoir on Wednesday afternoon. The release rate has been elevated from 74.5 cubic meters per second to 90 cubic meters per second in an effort to manage the rising water levels.

Firefighters in Český Krumlov have been diligently preparing sandbags since the afternoon to fortify critical areas prone to flooding. The flood commission has strategically secured crisis points along the river to mitigate potential damage. Alexandr Nogrády, the mayor of Český Krumlov, emphasized the impact of rainfall between Lipno and Český Krumlov, which could further elevate the river level. Despite the expected rise to 235 centimeters, Mayor Nogrády reassured that this level should not result in significant additional damage.

The third-level flood threat also extends to the Otava River, specifically in the profiles of Stodůlky, Rejštejn, and Sušice. Petr Mottl, the mayor of Sušice, acknowledged that the forecast for Thursday morning appears somewhat improved from initial projections, but emphasized the ongoing uncertainty in the evolving situation.

The critical nature of the scenario hinges on the forthcoming precipitation, with Šumava expecting 60 to 90 millimeters of rainfall by Thursday evening. As authorities continue to monitor and respond to changing conditions, the community remains on alert, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and coordinated efforts to navigate through this challenging period of heightened flood activity.

Article by Prague Forum