The Bratislava region authorities were considering issuing a flood danger alert today as water levels in the Danube river reached heights not seen since 1954. Soldiers have been sandbagging low-lying areas in the capital such as Šafárikovo námestie to prevent waters from entering the Old Town district, while several other squares close to the river have been closed and all river traffic has been halted.
The situation in Slovakia, however, is still far better than that in the Czech Republic and Austria. Thousands of Prague citizens have already been evacuated, and hydrologists say they are unable to measure the rate of flow of the raging Vltava river. Cranes perched on Charles bridge are removing trees and other debris that catch on the bridge arches and threaten its stability.
In Vienna, several low-lying sections of the city are under water, with some locals using kayaks for transport.
Slovak Prime Minister Mikuláš Dzurinda has promised that the government will find money to repair damage done around the country by flooding, and that he will announce the source of the funds after a cabinet meeting today.
Compiled by Tom Nicholson from press reports.
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
