Prague on alert for storm surge
Aug 14th, 2002, 07:05 PM
#23
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Have heard on a couple weather reports tonight that say there will be no more heavy rains for awhile in the Czech area.<BR><BR>If interested in making a donation for flood relief - please contact the CzechTourService - they'll give you the requested information.<BR><BR>http://www.czechcenter.com/travel.htm<BR>
Aug 15th, 2002, 04:44 AM
#24
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Water levels are expected to return normal in about four days. There is flood damaged but Charles Bridge is intact - no other information available. Interesting note - during a major flood at the end of the 19th century, debris destroyed 3 spans of Charles Bridge. It took 14 years for the spans to be restored.
Aug 29th, 2002, 03:13 PM
#26
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Message: Arrived in Prague 14th August at the height of the flooding.<BR>On the 15th all public transport was disrupted but still running on an as and when basis. Many underground stations were closed because of the flooding.<BR>I was staying with friends in Cernosice, 7 miles SW of Prague - on the Berounka river - and we eventually got a train from Cernosice into the main station on Wilsonova.<BR>We were able to walk down through Wenceslas Square into the Old Town and, even though the floods had put the Horological clock out of action, there were still a few hardy tourists observing it. <BR>We were able to walk around many areas above the flood line in the Old Town relatively easily as the number of tourists was considerably fewer than normal in August.<BR>Many streets by the river were cordoned off but the police were most helpful and polite.<BR>We took a tram over the river to Mala Strana and it was the same story, many riverside areas were cordoned off.<BR>The next day, 16th August, the barriers alongside the river in Old Town were being removed by prisoners, supervised by warders. <BR>We walked up Nerudova to the castle which was open to visitors at that time.<BR>We then checked out the hotel U Krale Jiriho in Liliova in the Old Town where I had booked to stay for the nights of 26/27 August.<BR>The cellar containing the restaurant had been flooded but we were informed that it would be OK by 19th August.<BR>After spending time with friends in Slovakia I returned to Prague on 26 August.<BR>Still problems in the areas alongside the river and still only 4 out of 17 bridges open across the river - the Charles Bridge was not one of them!<BR>Many underground stations still flooded and skips in the street full of water-damaged goods and possessions.<BR>The cellar restaurant at my hotel was still out of action but that did not give me any problems - there were plenty of other places to eat.<BR>I drank water from the tap in the hotel and 72 hours later - no problems.<BR>The authorities and everyone are working really hard to get the city back on it's feet, but it will not happen overnight.<BR>I shall return to Prague at sometime in the future just to realise my dream of walking over the Charles Bridge.<BR>So yes - Prague does welcome you - but do keep an eye on the taxi drivers who are trying to make even more money out of the situation.<BR>AAA taxis are still charging proper prices so give them your support too!<BR>Regards.<BR>Maggie.<BR><BR>
