Sun Sep 15 13:51:19 UTC 2024: ## Opava Braces for Floods as River Rises, Echoing 1997 Disaster

**OPAVA, Czech Republic** – The sun may have been shining in Opava, but the atmosphere was heavy with concern as the Opava River swelled, threatening to repeat the devastation of 1997 floods. Heavy rains that began on Friday and continued until Sunday morning caused the river to rise to alarming levels, prompting authorities to evacuate thousands of residents from the Katerinky housing estate.

Locals gathered on bridges and the embankment, watching with apprehension as the river crept closer to overflowing its banks. Many, like purchase manager Marie Lasak Blokesova, reflected on the 1997 floods, which killed 50 people and caused $3 billion in damage across the Czech Republic.

“We all expected this,” Lasak Blokesova told AFP. “Since we experienced the 1997 flood, we are prepared. We had enough information, and with social media, you know what’s happening.”

Despite the preparedness, the rising water was a stark reminder of the potential danger. A car park that was safe at 9:30 am was submerged an hour later.

“My boyfriend remembers the 1997 flood, so we have stocked up on drinking water and a camping gas cooker in case the gas and electricity are cut off,” said Lasak Blokesova.

Across the country, over 10,000 people have been evacuated. More than 250,000 households were without power on Sunday, and four people are reported missing.

In Opava, some residents defied the warnings and braved the rising waters on foot or by bicycle. Others watched from their windows, seemingly oblivious to the firefighters’ pleas to evacuate.

Upstream in Krnov, 80% of the city was flooded by midday Sunday. Volunteers in Velke Hostice frantically reinforced a sandbag barrier built after the 1997 floods, attempting to stem the tide.

“I’m watching this in horror,” said local hunter Jaroslav Lexa. “If we don’t stop the wave, it will flood the lower part of the village.”

The river in Opava was expected to reach its peak around 5:00 pm Sunday. The situation remains tense as residents and authorities brace for the worst.

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