As recently as this past summer, 1 500 people in Slovakia’s second largest city of Kosice were forced to evacuate amid fears that the swollen Hornád river would overflow and flood surrounding areas. Three people died and bridges and railway lines in the country were severely damaged because of the floods, which were said to be the worst in a century.
Together with the neighbouring region of Prešov, Slovak Hydro- Meteorological Institute and Slovak Water Management Enterprise, the Košice region is now developing maps aimed at identifying the flood risks areas along the Hornád river. In addition, analytical tools for flood protection systems, emergency management and evacuation management in case of flood endangerment are being created.
The €370 000 in support from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway also allows for the enhancement of professional and public information about flood risks questions and the improvement of flood-preventive activities. The long term goal of the project is to reduce the economical losses resulting from floods in the Hornád basin territory.
Photo: Košice self-governing region