Press Advisories

20. 5. 2010 14:48

The Government has approved 800 soldiers for fighting the floods

The Government held an extraordinary meeting because of the floods

At its extraordinary meeting today, the Government approved the deployment of up to 800 members of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic to help in rescue operations and to fight the consequences of floods that have hit Northern Moravia.

As Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Martin Barták said that troops as well as military equipment have been helping in the Integrated Rescue System, and governors of the affected regions can request their help now.


During its meeting, the Government held a video conference with Moravian-Silesian Regional Governor Jaroslav Palas, who had asked the Government to deploy about 500 soldiers, in particular for the subsequent phase of operations.

Engineers, rescue companies and land surveyors are now available should the regions need them. Troops are already involved in rescue works with two military helicopters that have been monitoring the situation in the flooded areas.

After consulting Prime Minister Jan Fischer, Minister Martin Barták decided to visit the affected areas in Northern Moravia today. He is expected to visit Olomouc, Ostrava and the Přerov region.

Several dozen people had to be evacuated because of the swollen rivers of Odra, Ostravice and Olše, and further evacuations are expected.

The floods cut off power and heat supplies for some households. Several railway lines and dozens of roads have been shut. The flooding has claimed one life; an elderly woman drowned in a creek in Třinec.

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