Heavy rainfall across southern Bohemia on Monday night caused river levels to surge, with nearly three dozen monitoring stations reporting the highest flood levels. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, the Vltava River in České Budějovice experienced a significant rise, surpassing the third flood alert level early this morning after rising more than half a meter since Monday evening.
The intense rainfall in the Novohradské Hory mountains contributed to the rapid swelling of the Malše River, which feeds into the Vltava. Additional rainfall in the Šumava region further raised water levels in both the Vltava and its tributaries, with rivers such as the Blanice, Malše, Lužnice, and Nežárka seeing overnight increases.
Particular attention is being paid to the Lužnice River, where water levels continue to rise. Authorities are preparing for the potential evacuation of around 1,000 residents in areas such as Alšova nábřeží, depending on how the river develops this morning. Hydrologist Tomáš Vlasák of the České Budějovice Meteorological Institute explained that the Lužnice is prone to slow water rises after heavy rains, which could lead to continued flooding concerns in the coming hours. The situation is also closely tied to the state of the Rožmberk pond, which could reach capacity by morning.
Overnight, the Nežárka River, which merges with the Lužnice in Veselí nad Lužnicí, also saw a rise, further intensifying flood warnings across the region. Local officials and emergency services are on high alert, monitoring the situation closely as rain is expected to persist into the day.
Residents are being advised to stay informed of the latest updates as flood risks remain high across southern Bohemia.
