Moravia: parts of Olomouc flooded by metre-high water

Around one fifth of the town of Olomouc in the east of the country was hit by flood waters after an embankment holding back a raging Morava River gave way on Saturday night. A wave of water flooded into the lowest lying parts of the historic city, home to 100,000 inhabitants. In some places the water is up to one metre deep. A local official confirmed that 20 percent of the town had been hit. Earlier, several thousand people were evacuated ahead of the floods, with more joining them during the night. The level of the Morava River has now stabilised but the situation is said to remain critical because further embankments could give way. The Czech Army together has been helping reinforce flood defences. Specialists have already repaired the breach from late Saturday.

Author: Jan Velinger