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CNN Live Today

European Floods Kill 76

Aired August 13, 2002 - 10:37   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We go to Europe, where heavy rains have unleashed some of the worst flooding there in decades. From Russia to Austria, people are on the run, trying to get out of the way of rising water. At least 76 people have been killed so far. The situation is particularly dire in the Czech capital of Prague. Check out these stories.
CNN's Robyn Curnow has that part of the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ROBYN CURNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): These buildings in Prague city center were built in Medieval times. They have stood for centuries. But now, much of this historic part of the city is expected to be swallowed up by a deluge of water. Other parts are already submerged.

This is the worst flood in the Czech Republic for more than a century. Almost 50,000 people have been ordered to evacuate the capital and surrounding areas. But many are refusing to go, risking being trapped by the rising waters.

Away from the city center, locals have been desperately trying to save their possessions and property, but they have little chance against the onslaught of water and debris. Frustration is growing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We live over there. Those are our houses, and we can't reach them. There's too much water.

CURNOW: Some have lost all they own.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Everything is damaged: the television set, the refrigerator, washing machine, Microwave -- everything -- furniture, clothing.

CURNOW: The torrential rains have also caused havoc and misery across Europe for days. In Germany, firefighters and soldiers are desperately trying to reinforce strained river banks. They fear the catastrophe could get worse as dams along the Danube are in danger of breaking. The old town of Passau (ph), on the Austrian border, was completely submerged.

Across Europe, shipping has been shut down in Austria. Heavy waters have swept away Russian tourists. Landslides have swamped areas of Switzerland. And crops have been decimated in northern Italy. And still, the rains continue.

Robyn Curnow, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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