Earth Sciences: Natural Disasters and Hazards: Floods: Past Floods: Europe 2002

Priceless works of art and historic cultural landmarks appear to have been saved from the devastating floods in Prague and Dresden.

Nick Thorpe reports from Austria where scientists claim the current flooding could have been prevented.

Rescuers rush art works to higher floors as floodwater strikes ornate Baroque buildings restored after wartime bombing.

Tension mounts in the Czech capital amid fears that the rising river Vltava may burst through defences and swamp the historic Old Town.

A Czech theatre company at the Edinburgh Fringe speak of their helplessness as flooding in Prague threatens their families and livelihood.

Flooding in Europe looks set seriously to disrupt the Czech Republic's economy, forcing the government to borrow more.

Some people returned home as flood waters in Prague receded, but many areas of the historic city remained off-limits after the worst flooding in 200 years.

The people of the Slovakian capital breathe a cautious sigh of relief but the danger has not yet passed.

More than 90 people are killed as floods sweep through countries from Germany to Russia.

Flood waters in historic Dresden appear to stabilise at record levels, but other east German cities remain under threat of being swamped.