Earth Sciences: Natural Disasters and Hazards: Floods: Past Floods: Europe 2002: Page 5

Thousands of people were evacuated from areas near Dresden's historic centre today as floodwaters in the Elbe river reached an all-time high, spilling into a square close to some of the city's cultural landmarks.

The death toll from flooding across eastern and central Europe rose to at least 87 last night, with tens of thousands of people forced to flee the rising waters

The rain-lashed faces of the 28 stone saints which line Prague's famous 14th century Charles bridge were managing to keep their heads above water last night, but, like much of the city, they were close to succumbing to the raging waters of the Vltava river.

"Emperor Akihito has sent a telegram to Czech President Vaclav Havel expressing his sympathy to the residents affected by the massive floods in the Central European country, the Imperial Household Agency said Friday"

Hundreds of photos of the Prague (Czech Republic) floods taken during the days of the disaster hitting on the 12th of August 2002.

JS Kelly's translations of Czech media news reports on the Czech Republic floods.

Floods have retreated from record levels in many parts of Prague, allowing some residents to return home, but estimates of the cost of the calamity rose as fast as the waters fell.