In September of this year, the Czech Republic was hit by devastating floods that caused extensive damage, especially in the Jesenik region in North Moravia. Via Foundation immediately began setting up fundraising drives to help the affected villages and their inhabitants.
Fourteen drives were set up for flood-damaged towns on the request of their mayors – who didn’t have the time or expertise to do so themselves – and coordinated closely with them. Over 7,000 people gave to the fundraising drives, which raised $850,000 (CZK 20 million).
We have been distributing the funds, again in close collaboration with mayors and town councils in the region, to ensure they are used to help the most affected households and to benefit the lives of residents as much as possible. Each village has specific needs and was affected differently. In the town of Jeseník, for example, distribution is coordinated with mayor Zdeňka Blišt’anová (formerly a mentor in Via’s program Taking the Fear Out of Local Politics) and deputy mayor Tomáš Vlazl. The flooding affected about 1,500 households in Jeseník, which is roughly one-third of the entire town. Public spaces, parks and squares were also damaged.
"I would like to express my enormous gratitude to everyone who are involved in the flood relief efforts - their efforts are already bringing visible results in Jeseník. I thank everyone for their support and help. The quick response, willingness and solidarity has given us much needed strength in this difficult time. We still have a lot of work to do to rebuild our town and our homes, but thanks to this support I believe that together we can do it."
Zdeňka Blišt'anová, Mayor of Jeseník
Another village downstream of the Bela River is Česká Ves, which was almost completely destroyed by the flood waters. The local elementary school, which serves over 300 pupils, was heavily damaged. Local residents, volunteers and soldiers from the army, did a tremendous amount of work in the first month. The plaster has been removed and there are dryers humming in all the corridors. In the school cafeteria, we discussed progress with school principal Filip Worm and mayor Peter Mudra. They agree they couldn’t have handled the situation without the help of hundreds of volunteers and donors.
"The hammers, chisels, dryers, shovels, wheelbarrows, excavators and front-loaders are constantly in action. We need to get as much work done as possible because winter is knocking on the door. Unfortunately, several bridges and footbridges are missing in the village and many houses will not be restored. We are incredibly grateful for any help. Thanks to you, we know we are not alone."
Petr Mudra, Mayor of Česká Ves and Karel Kubala, Deputy Mayor
It is clear throughout that the restoration will take many months. But thanks to donors, the villages know that they have not been forgotten and they have funds to help bring life back to their villages and towns.
