Flood waters from Czech dams bear down on Prague

River levels in the Czech Republic have risen sharply overnight after the authorities were forced to open several dams in the south of the country.

In the capital Prague, metal flood barriers are being raised to cope with the extra water on the River Vltava.

Severe floods caused by days of heavy rain have left at least seven people dead in the Czech Republic, and two others in neighbouring Austria.

Germany has drafted in the army to help reinforce flood defences in the south.

In the Bavarian town of Passau, floodwaters have now reached a level not seen since the 16th Century, making much of the town inaccessible.