September 14, 2024
Prague averts ‘worst-case scenario’, says Polish PM to ‘fully mobilize’ state
Ahead of storms reaching central Europe, some experts have warned the rainfall could trigger the floods of the century.
“We have to be prepared for worst-case scenarios,” Czech Prime Minister Peter Fiala said. “We have a tough weekend ahead of us.”
Czech authorities have already erected protective walls made of metal barriers or sandbags, while water from dams has been released to accommodate reservoirs.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been warned to prepare for possible evacuations. Some public events scheduled for the weekend have been canceled at the request of officials. This includes football matches in the top two leagues.
Czechs were urged to stay out of parks and forests as gusts of up to 100 kilometers (62 mph) were forecast.
In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk traveled Friday to the southwestern Polish city of Wrocław, where flooding was predicted. Officials asked residents to stock up on food items and prepare for power outages by charging batteries.
“There is no reason to panic, but there is a reason to be fully mobilized,” Tusk said.
The Alpine nation of Austria has already reported rising water levels following snow and rain in the northeastern parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the German weather service warned of heavy rain in most parts of Germany, including the Alps. Heavy snow and strong winds are expected at higher elevations.
dh/dj (AP, AFP, dpa, Reuters)
