Kristina VankovaIn the heart of Europe, the historic city of Prague faces an escalating challenge as the Vltava River and its tributaries swell beyond their banks. Today, the Prague Flood Authority convened an urgent meeting in response to the rising water levels, fueled by recent snowmelt and soil saturation. This situation has prompted a series of unprecedented preventative measures to safeguard the city and its inhabitants.
As of this morning, the Vltava River’s flow through Prague, coupled with the hydro-meteorological conditions, has led to the proactive closure of floodgates at Čertovka. By 1:00 PM, public access to the embankments was restricted, and ferry services were suspended, marking a significant escalation in the city’s response to the potential flood threat.
Key waterways, notably the Vltava and Sázava rivers, have experienced increased flow rates. Although the peak is expected soon, with a subsequent decline, and the Berounka River has already crested, the planned manipulations at the Orlík Water Reservoir suggest that elevated flow rates will persist for several days. The forecasted flow through Prague, as indicated by the Malá Chuchle limnigraph, is expected to remain between 550 and 600 cubic meters per second, a threshold that should not be exceeded according to the Vltava Basin and the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute.
From 1:00 PM today, for precautionary reasons, ferry operations in Prague districts 1, 2, and 6 were halted. In districts 1, 2, and 5, embankments were closed to the public, including access to and from boats. The closure is comprehensive, prohibiting entry and vehicular access to the embankments from 1:00 PM onwards. Embankment administrators are already coordinating with operators, and vehicles remaining in the area must be removed to prevent danger and property damage. Consequently, from 1:00 PM, city wardens and service management will begin towing vehicles. All these measures will remain in effect until further notice. However, operations of the Admiral, Albatros, and Matylda botels and crews conducting boat trips are exempt from these restrictions.
These steps are currently preventative, and the city will continue to monitor the situation closely. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute currently does not anticipate a threat in the upper Sázava basin, where additional water is still flowing in. The first segments of mobile flood barriers would be erected if the flow rate reaches 700 cubic meters per second.
The decisions regarding flood measures and flood defenses, effective from December 25, 2023, at 1:00 PM until revoked, include:
- Enhanced surveillance due to flood vigilance/alertness.
- Evacuation and closure of embankments in Prague districts 1, 2, and 5.
- Prohibition of entry for individuals and vehicles into the embankment areas.
- Closure of floodgates at Čertovka.
- Suspension of ferry services according to the schedule set by the Prague Flood Commission (until further notice).
- The measures do not affect the operation of botels Admiral, Albatros, and Matylda, and crews conducting boat trips.
Boarding and disembarking for boat trips are only possible outside the embankment areas.
As Prague braces for the rising waters, the city’s swift and decisive actions reflect a commitment to safety and preparedness. The eyes of the nation and the world are on this beloved city as it navigates the challenges posed by nature’s unpredictable forces. The coming days will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of these measures and the resilience of a city known for its enduring spirit and cultural heritage.
