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Bém says Prague prepared for floods

Concrete barriers, levees cost city 3.5 billion Kč

August 15th, 2007 issue

By Michael Heitmann

Staff writer

Five years after the worst flooding to hit Prague in recent history, the city appears better positioned to deal with catastrophe should water levels rise.
“Of all the Czech cities affected by the 2002 floods, Prague has clearly made the most progress,” Mayor Pavel Bém said at a press conference Aug. 13.
Bém spoke to journalists on a boat trip from Kampa near Charles Bridge to Troja, two parts of the capital that were under several feet of water in 2002.
On that sunny day, hardly any trace of the enormous damage inflicted on the historical city could be seen.
Bém announced flood barriers that successfully protected Old Town in 2002 have since been extended to a total length of 18 kilometers (11 miles), which includes 5 kilometers of mobile, or removable, barriers.
Due to costs, however, some areas near the river will never be protected to that level, he admitted.
The city plans to spend some additional 1.5 million Kč ($73,314) on flood protection measures in the districts of Zbraslav, Radotín and Troja, upping the total cost to 3.5 billion Kč.
The protective measures use a combination of mobile barriers, reinforced concrete walls and levees to stave off flood waters.
Prague Zoo Director Petr Fejk also briefed journalists about the zoo’s progress since the floods, when the Vltava’s waters swamped large parts of animal enclosures in Troja.
The zoo lost more than 134 animals, some of which had to be put down. In 2002, television viewers worldwide followed Gaston the seal’s struggle to escape to open seas. He later died of exhaustion.
The zoo made an unexpected recovery, recalled Fejk. “At no point did we lose the confidence of our visitors. They were ready to help and donate some of their money.”
Thanks to insurance payouts and donations, seven pavilions have been either reconstructed or built from scratch.
In the meantime, visitor numbers have reached record heights. “Prague Zoo is … visited by more than 1 million people a year,” Fejk said.
The National Museum escaped major damage in 2002. “I am confident that we are well-prepared for an eventual flood,” said its director, Michal Lukeš. “Nevertheless, I hope such a catastrophe won’t strike us again.”
Michael Heitmann can be reached at
mheitmann@praguepost.com


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