Prague Conducts Large-Scale Flood Barrier Exercise in Holešovice and Bubeneč

Prague Tests Flood Defenses in Major Drill

The City of Prague is undertaking a significant flood protection exercise today, Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the districts of Holešovice and Bubeneč. Named 'Holešovice – North 2025,' the large-scale drill aims to rigorously test the city's mobile flood protection barriers and emergency preparedness along the left bank of the Vltava River. The exercise, which began at 6 a.m. and is expected to conclude around 10 p.m., involves the coordinated efforts of the City Services Administration, emergency services, and various other organizations.

Exercise Details and Scope

During the drill, mobile flood barriers spanning a total length of 220.3 meters are being erected. These barriers, composed of 1,802 individual components, vary in height from 2.5 to 5.61 meters. Key sections where these protective structures are being deployed include Stromovka I, Stromovka II, the Access Road to the Harbour, Varhulíková Gap Site, Pod Dráhou Street, and the end of Varhulíková Street. The primary objective is to practically assess the assembly process and functionality of these protective structures, particularly on smaller watercourses, and to evaluate the coordination among participating units. A total of 106 people are actively involved in the exercise.

Traffic Disruptions and Public Impact

Residents and commuters in Prague are experiencing significant traffic restrictions throughout the day due to the exercise. The disruptions are concentrated along the left bank of the Vltava River, specifically impacting streets such as Varhulíková, Pod Dráhou, Za Elektrárnou, and Jankovcova. Additionally, two pedestrian and cycle underpasses located beneath the railway line in Stromovka Park have been closed. Traffic restrictions in the Prague 7 district are in effect from 5 a.m. to midnight, with authorities indicating that normal traffic flow will be restored promptly if the exercise concludes earlier.

Prague's Ongoing Commitment to Flood Protection

This exercise is a crucial component of Prague's continuous efforts to maintain a robust and operational flood protection system. The city has invested heavily in its flood defenses since the devastating '500-year flood' of 2002, which caused extensive damage, inundating districts like Karlín, Holešovice, Libeň, and Malá Strana, and affecting approximately one-third of the Prague metro system. Since 1997, Prague has developed a comprehensive system that includes fixed structures, mobile aluminum barriers, and pumping stations. The current flood protection infrastructure is designed to safeguard the city against a 500-year flood event, with an additional 30-centimeter safety margin. City Councillor for Infrastructure, Michal Hroza, emphasized the importance of these drills, stating, 'We are continuously working to ensure that Prague's flood protection remains robust and operational – even in exceptional circumstances.'