Eastern Europe inundated by flood water. by Rob McElwee
Several countries in eastern Europe have been under severe flood alert over the past few days as heavy rain and snowmelt caused rivers to burst their banks.
In Olomouc, Czech Republic, swollen rivers have flooded towns and forced hundreds to evacuate their homes. Anti-flood barriers were put in place across the city on Saturday, but these were no match for the raging Morava river. During Saturday night the river’s waters burst through an embankment, sending a torrent of floodwater surging across low lying areas.
Around one fifth of the city is said to be under water, with levels reaching one meter deep in some places. Soldiers have been brought in to help strengthen the remained flood defences as officials fear that other embankments could give way.
Hundreds of people remained as flood evacuees on Sunday with half of the country’s regions declared a state of emergency. Flood warnings in this area have been extended until Monday evening.
In Germany, the river Elbe also burst its banks flooding eight nearby cities, and forcing around 1,300 people to leave their homes.
Further rain is forecast in these areas on Monday.
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