In a delicate dance of water management, Prague breathes a cautious sigh of relief as the Vltava River’s water levels begin to subside. However, city officials warn that the flood threat is far from over.
The Vltava Cascade, a system of dams and reservoirs, is being strategically regulated to alleviate pressure on Mělník, where the Elbe River is expected to crest. This calculated move has resulted in a decrease of approximately 150 cubic meters per second in the Vltava’s flow through Prague.
Despite this positive development, Deputy Mayor for Transport Zdeněk Hřib cautions that this is merely a temporary respite. The river’s flow is expected to increase again in the coming days, though efforts will be made to maintain it at the first level of flood activity.
The situation remains more complex on the Vltava’s tributaries, including the Berounka, Sázava, Botič, and Rokytka rivers. However, even these waterways are faring better than initial forecasts predicted.
Prague remains on high alert, with the flood commission set to reconvene on Tuesday. The city is prepared to respond swiftly according to its flood plan, though construction of additional flood barriers is not currently planned.
As Prague navigates these challenging waters, residents are urged to remain vigilant. The Prague Zoo remains closed due to the risk of falling trees, with plans to reopen on Wednesday if conditions improve. Meanwhile, drivers are advised to limit travel and avoid certain areas where road closures and traffic jams persist.