Moravian-Silesian region to demolish 72 buildings after devastating floods

Following the catastrophic floods that struck Moravia and Silesia in mid-September, authorities in the Moravian-Silesian Region have decided to demolish 72 buildings, including 37 family homes. Radim Kuchař, director of the Moravian-Silesian firefighters, announced the decision today, stating that the majority of the buildings set for demolition are located in the upper reaches of the Opava River in the Bruntál district. Hard-hit areas include the towns of Zátor, Široká Niva—where even the local cinema was destroyed—Brantice, Holčovice, Karlovice, and parts of Vrbno pod Pradědem.

In addition, six buildings in Nová Ves, Ostrava, will also be demolished. According to Kuchař, two dozen demolitions were carried out directly by firefighters, especially in cases where structures posed a threat to nearby buildings. The remaining demolitions were handled by private companies or homeowners themselves.

Larger towns were not spared from the destruction either. In Krnov, three buildings have been or will soon be torn down, including one owned by the town hall. “The city of Krnov has recorded its first municipally-owned building that was so severely damaged by the floods that demolition was necessary. The property on Minorite Square, formerly a pet shop, will be demolished. We are working to find alternative premises for the tenant,” said city spokeswoman Dita Círová.

Josef Bělica, Deputy Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region, reported that nearly 400 soldiers with 98 pieces of equipment are still active in the region. In Holčovice, 121 properties remain without gas, including a senior home currently relying on gas supplied by tanker trucks. Gas services are expected to be restored to most of the affected homes by the end of October.

Electricity remains cut off in 31 houses in the region. Bělica noted that the electricity grid’s capacity is sufficient to allow residents to use electric heating if necessary. He also mentioned that energy provider CEZ has already replaced 3,000 water-damaged electricity meters, with more replacements underway.

Flood Damage Estimated at CZK 2.9 Billion

Meanwhile, state-owned enterprise Povodí Moravy (Morava River Basin) has estimated property damage caused by the September floods at CZK 2.9 billion. This figure is still being refined as assessments continue. The Šumperk region was hit hardest, with damage estimates reaching CZK 2 billion. Key rivers affected include the Branná, Krupá, Desná, Morava, Merta, and Mírovka, according to Jana Kučerová, head of external relations at Povodí Moravy.

“The floodwaters severely damaged the banks and infrastructure of these rivers, including retaining walls, flood protection dams, and various structures within the river channels such as steps and weirs,” Kučerová said. “In many places, significant deposits of debris need to be cleared, and bank collapses must be repaired.”

Reconstruction efforts to repair the damage are expected to take significant time and resources, with the total cost of repairs still to be confirmed.

Source: CTK
Image: Google maps