4.5 ODRAFLOOD – a flood forecasting system for the Odra drainage basin

In July 1997 two episodes of heavy rainfall in the upper catchment of the Odra river caused severe flooding in the Czech Republic, Poland and some areas in Germany. Hundreds of cities and villages were inundated, more than 100 casualties occurred and vast areas of land were flooded for weeks. The critical situation had to be assessed by the disaster management authorities for taking adequate and effective measures. In case of such a critical flood situation the assessment needs 1. quantitative predictions of water levels and discharges which must be accurate and reliable for as long-term as needed for taking effective measures