Czech PM sends troops to protect Prague from floods

Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas pledged 300 million Czech crowns ($15 million) to relief efforts and said another 2,000 troops were ready to support the 300 soldiers already helping to erect temporary barriers and pile sandbags in Prague and other areas.

"The government approved the declaration of a state of emergency, which will enable a more effective rescue effort," said Necas after an emergency cabinet meeting, adding that there was another 1.3 billion crowns available to help fund the cleanup operation.

The historic area of Prague is a UNESCO heritage site boasting hundreds of well-preserved buildings, churches and monuments dating back centuries, including the Charles Bridge straddling the Vltava that was closed due to high water