Severe Flooding Forces Evacuations in Central Europe

Central Europe is experiencing severe flooding, particularly in the Czech Republic, due to torrential rains that have led to mass evacuations in several regions. Up to 10,000 residents in the city of Opava have been ordered to evacuate as rivers swell, with authorities declaring the highest flood warnings in nearly 90 locations. The floods are reportedly worse than the catastrophic events of 1997, and officials are urging citizens to heed evacuation orders to ensure their safety. Rescuers have been deployed to assist stranded individuals, with helicopters aiding in evacuations from isolated villages. The situation remains precarious as meteorologists predict more heavy rain and rising waters, with significant power outages affecting over 250,000 households. Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized the importance of saving lives and indicated that the government would convene to assess the damage and provide aid for those affected.