Rector's statement on the current flood situation

Dear colleagues, students,

I would like to provide you with some information on the current situation related to the floods that have hit the Czech Republic these days.

Perhaps the most important thing is that the more pessimistic versions of the scenarios have not yet come true in relation to the city of Olomouc and its inhabitants. According to available information, Olomouc is expecting the so-called 20-year water. Further information is continuously updated, especially on the city's website, where you can also find basic advice on how to keep yourself safe. If this information is not sufficient, it is possible to obtain more by calling the city's contact line at 800 606 800.

I am aware that some of our faculties are already starting classes for the new academic year. At this time, I have been informed by the deans that the start of the semester will follow the original academic year schedule for the time being. The only exception is the Faculty of Health Sciences of UP, which is cancelling classes on Monday and Tuesday 16 and 17 September due to the complications brought by the flood, and the organisation of classes would be very difficult in the first days due to the situation of some students and teachers.

Of course, we all understand that for some of our students it may be difficult to get to Olomouc and start full-time classes in the next few days due to the events in their region and the related measures. I can therefore promise that we will be more lenient with apologies for absences for these or similar reasons. Students who are objectively unable to attend classes can also contact the secretariat of their department or their lecturer by e-mail, contact e-mail addresses are available as standard on the department's website.

For those of you who have been or will be significantly affected by the flood, I wish you every strength to overcome and cope with the situation. I am confident that our campus community will provide much more than words of comfort.

On the other hand, if your situation permits, you and the University Volunteer Center can help those who were or are not so fortunate. The UP Volunteer Centre, in cooperation with the Integrated Rescue System of the Olomouc Region and the Czech Red Cross, is looking for volunteers to join the crisis intervention team, evacuation centres and to help with damage clearance. Calls and links for volunteer registration can be found on the DC UP Facebook page here.

Surely we all need to think of our safety first and foremost. But I also ask all of you, as we remember the experience of the 1997 floods, to respect the concerns and needs of others and not be tempted to visit the affected areas, i.e. the infamous "flood tourism." Not only is this activity unsafe, but it also complicates the work and lives of those who least of all need further complications.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I am confident that together we will get through this.

Martin Procházka, Rector of UP