Prague, 6 August 1997 (RFE/RL) -- Flood waters are continuing to recede in Germany and Poland, although officials say the risk of further inundation remains high.
German officials say that dikes are weak at several points along the Oder River in the east of the country, and soldiers are working to strengthen them. They say thousands of people evacuated from the endangered areas will not be allowed to return home until at least Friday.
Along the Oder in Poland, danger of new flooding exists around Nowa Sol and Slubice because dikes there are sodden. Polish officials say however the focus of efforts is now shifting generally to food distribution and cleaning up.
In the neighbouring Czech Republic, a full-scale clean-up is also underway. The Czech government today told the Finance Ministry to speed-up a special bond issue which is meant to provide funds for relief and reconstruction. Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus said the latest tranche of the bond issue may be ready by the end of the month.
German officials say that dikes are weak at several points along the Oder River in the east of the country, and soldiers are working to strengthen them. They say thousands of people evacuated from the endangered areas will not be allowed to return home until at least Friday.
Along the Oder in Poland, danger of new flooding exists around Nowa Sol and Slubice because dikes there are sodden. Polish officials say however the focus of efforts is now shifting generally to food distribution and cleaning up.
In the neighbouring Czech Republic, a full-scale clean-up is also underway. The Czech government today told the Finance Ministry to speed-up a special bond issue which is meant to provide funds for relief and reconstruction. Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus said the latest tranche of the bond issue may be ready by the end of the month.