In August 2002, a week of intense rainfall produced flooding across a large portion of Europe. It reached the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Ukraine and Russia. The event killed 232 people and left €27.7 billion (US$27.115 billion) in damage. The flood was of a magnitude expected to occur roughly once a century. Flood heights unknown since St. Mary Magdalene's flood were recorded.
Flooded Elbe in Dresden August 2002
Elbe flood 2002 before after
Flooding in Prague
Flood damage in the Karlin district of Prague
The Vltava is the longest river in the Czech Republic, running southeast along the Bohemian Forest and then north across Bohemia, through Český Krumlov, České Budějovice and Prague, and finally merging with the Elbe at Mělník. It is commonly referred to as the "Czech national river".
Vltava in Prague
Vltava from Bohnice viewing point
"Náplavka Smíchov" ferry dock in Prague
Historic Centre of Český Krumlov near the Vltava River