Dresden experiences peak of its Elbe flood level today
The Elbe river's flood crest is projected to hit its highest point in Saxony this afternoon, as per expert predictions. At the Schôna gauge, positioned at the German-Czech border, a peak of 6.69 meters is anticipated, according to data from the State Flood Center. At 9:15 AM, the marker read 6.57 meters, while the typical reading is 1.58 meters. In Dresden, the peak is also expected to be reached in the afternoon, forecasted to be 6.11 meters with a normal level of 1.42 meters.
Both gauges currently stand at Level 3 of the alert system, which indicates potential flooding of built-up areas, surround roads, and railways. The nearby Riesa gauging point shows a water level of 6.66 meters, standing at Level 2. The water is expected to subside at a slow pace, partly due to the Moldau cascades control to protect Prague downstream. Hydrologists predict the flood could persist till the end of September.
Regrettably, the fatality count has climbed to at least 23. The Czech Republic has registered another death, as confirmed by Interior Minister Vit Rakusan on CNN Prima News. In the neighboring German state, at least eight individuals are reported missing, including those in a car swept away by the raging river.
The eastern Czech regions of Moravia and Moravia-Silesia have been greatly affected by the floods, causing immense destruction. President Petr Pavel has visited the flood-hit areas, including the badly affected spa town of Jesenik in the Hrubý Jeseník mountains. The recovery process is estimated to span years, according to his assessment. Jesenik witnessed the entire city center being submerged at certain points. Some houses collapsed, while others face demolition due to structural issues.
Crest wave at the German-Czech border
The flood situation has improved near the Saxon border in the Czech North Bohemia region. The crest wave of the Elbe passed over Usti nad Labem (Aussig an der Elbe) with a level surpassing 6.8 meters, significantly higher than the pre-storm average of 2 meters. The flood barriers withstood the onslaught. However, the closed roads resulted in severe traffic congestion. A team of firefighters left the city for northeastern assistance with drainage of cellars and structures.
Overnight, the flood wave reached Breslau, the Lower Silesian city in Poland. The water level at the Trestno gauging station approached 6.31 meters, as stated by the head of the Meteorological Institute at the crisis staff meeting. "We can now observe a stabilization," he added. However, the water level is likely to remain between 6.30 and 6.40 meters for a period of time. The normal water level is slightly over three meters. The present flood wave falls short of the 1997 Oder flood when the water level reached 7.24 meters.
Despite the improvement, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk cautioned against underestimating the situation at the crisis staff meeting. "It's premature to proclaim victory over the flood in Breslau." He emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of the situation.
In relation to the flood predictions, Dresden, another city in Saxony, also expects its peak level this afternoon, forecasted to be 6.11 meters with a normal level of 1.42 meters. After facing the brunt of the flood, the flood situation in the nearby city of Breslau, Poland, has shown signs of improvement. The water level at the Trestno gauging station has stabilized at 6.31 meters, but the prime minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring due to the ongoing danger.
