According to the Embassy of Bulgaria in Prague, after the heavy rains that led to a critical increase in the level of the river Vltavain the past few days, the situation in the Czech capital has gradually normalised. Riverside roads affected by flooding remain closed, so traffic in the city is still seriously hampered. The Government reported that by the end of the working week, it is expected that all closed underground railway lines will be back in operation. There is a ban on visiting many green spaces and park areas of Praguebecause of the danger of falling trees. People also have been barred from access to portable protective barriers built along the river, to avoid damaging them, and the police are ensuring strict compliance with the restrictions.

In the Ústí nad Labemregion, the level of the river Labeis continuing to rise and it is expected that in the later hours of today the river will peak in the cities of Terezin, Usti nad Labemand Decin.

In Melnik in the central Czech district, the level of the rivers Vltava and Labehas not increased and there is hope that continued strengthening of dams will withstand increased water pressure. In other parts of the district, river levels are decreasing.

In Pilsen, Jihocesky and Kralovehradetska district levels of all rivers has decreased and the situation has gradually stabilised.

Throughout the country a total of 19 000 people have been evacuated, the largest number in the Ústí nad LabemRegion (10 000) and Tsentralnocheshka area (7000 people). Eight people have died because of the floods.

Within the international road network, Exit № 68 to the town of Usti nad Labemis closed, between 9th and 17th kilometer of the D-8 highway. Because of flooding, the primary road network road is closed between the town of Lovosice and Decin along the river Labe (Elbe) and some local roads: in Ústí nad Labem Region - in the areas of Decin, Usti nad Labem, Ceska Lipa, Litomerzhitse, in Tsentralnocheshka area - region of Melnik, in Zapadnocheshka area near Pilsen, in the Yuzhnaocheshka area - near the town of Tabor.

The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry today again advises citizens who are planning to travel in the countries of Central Europeaffected by the floods to consider postponing their travel until the situation has normalized. Bulgarian citizens who nonetheless travel to this region should monitor weather conditions carefully and strictly observe the instructions of local authorities.

If necessary, Bulgarian citizens approach the Embassy of Bulgaria in Praguefor information and assistance.

Embassy of the Republicof Bulgariain the Czech Republic
Address: Praha 1, ul. Krakovska 6
Tel.: +420 2222 12011, +420222211258
Telephone after hours: + 420 774 790 991
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/czech