Flooding from Poland has spread to the Czech Republic and Austria

Flooding due to the abundance of precipitation affected not only Poland, but also the Czechs and Austria.

Evacuation of residents from regions at risk of flooding has begun in the Czech city of Opava. According to preliminary information, there may be several thousand such people.

The culmination of the flood is expected tonight, September 15. Czech firefighters have been clearing riverbeds under bridges since yesterday evening, removing trees, branches and other debris so that the water flows as easily as possible and nothing blocks it. The mayor of Opava Tomas Navratil said that schools, gyms and community centers will be used as evacuation centers.

Weather hazard — and in Lower Austria. A state of natural disaster has been declared in 23 municipalities, services are evacuating residents.

"The coming hours will be the hour of truth for flood protection and a huge test of endurance for our rescue services," said Mayor Johanna Mikl—Lightner.

Austrian Deputy Environment Minister Stefan Pernkopf added that "we need to prepare for a long-term fight against the elements."