Prague builds flood defences to cope with the extra water on the River Vltava

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.

In the Czech Republic, a nationwide state of emergency is in force, with water levels expected to peak later on Tuesday.
Around 3,000 people have been forced to leave their homes across the west of the country.

As a precaution the city's metro system and central sewage treatment plant were closed, metal flood defences were erected and sandbags built up along the banks of the Vltava.

The Charles Bridge - normally packed with tourists - has been closed and tigers at the city's zoo were even tranquilised and moved out of an enclosure thought to be at risk.