Central Europe on flood alert, thousands evacuated

Zee Media Bureau

Berlin: River levels shot up to dangerous levels across central Europe as heavy rains have caused floods and landslides, as officials issued disaster warnings and stepped up emergency measures to deal with the floods. As defence measures, several houses have been evacuated, main roads closed and rail services cut across the region, reported the BBC. At least seven people have died and eight others are missing in floods in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Czech Republic in recent days, as per report. Most adversely affected is the southeast German city of Passau, as much of the city was inaccessible except by boat and electricity supplies had been shut off as a precaution, said reports. A spokesman for the city`s crisis center said Monday that the situation was "extremely dramatic" and waters are expected to rise further by midday to their level highest in 70 years. Passau could see waters rise above record levels of 2002, said Mayor Juergen Dupper, said a news report. In Czech Republic, capital Prague is also on flood alert that heighten the fears of its historic centres being washed away by the rains. Czech PM Petr Necas has ordered1,000 troops for the emergency services in wake of floods. With Agency Inputs