[PADG:1786] Reports on Flood Damage in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

["Steve Dalton" <dalton@xxxxxxxxx>]

Below are two recent reports on flood damage in the 
Czech Republic andSlovakia, from David Carsky, Vice-Chancellor of the 
Academy of Fine Artand Design in Bratislava.August 15, 
2002Indeed, the amount of water coming from Austria is worrying. 
Soldiers arefilling sandbags and trying to protect the city, however, it 
looks likesome damage is inevitable. In Bratislava, the water level of the 
Danube issupposed to culminate tomorrow (Friday) morning. The damage it has 
causedin Austria is enormous. And it's virtually breaking my heart when I 
hear ofPrague, my beloved historical center, the Kampa, Mala Strana, and 
otherparts. Mentioning Kampa, just recently they've reconstructed a 
wonderfulhistorical building right on the bank of Vltava river, it is 
called"Sovovy mlyny". The Chancellor and I went to its opening abut a month 
ago. It wasshowing a collection of distinguished modern artist (Czech and 
Slovak).The hole project was sponsored by the collector, Mrs. Meda Mladek 
fromWashington, D.C. who owns one of the most remarkable collections of 
worksby Frantisek Kupka. Anyway, that newly-renovated building is now under 
water(a significant part of it) but I believe they were able to take the 
paintingsaway on time. I've heard the same about the Klementinum Library and 
otherinstitutions. They were warned ahead of time and took 
precautions,however, nobody has anticipated such enormous 
floods.August 16, 2002By now we can say according to the 
authorities) that the worst is over, atleast for Bratislava. The Danube is 
now receding (finally) and we were "lucky"because it didn't significantly 
flow out of its banks in the Old City. Still, theSlovak National Gallery has 
in advance evacuated the deposit of modern art(4,000 paintings), which is 
located in the basement. Since our downtownbuilding is relatively close to 
the river, we have prepared some sandbags,these were still in the driveway 
this morning.As you may have heard in the news, the Vltava river is 
receding as well.The damage in Prague's historical district is enormous. 
Yesterday, Italianconservators from Florence have offered help. I can 
imagine that any helpof experts will be appreciated. I'm a bit worried 
though that all theattention is concentrating on Prague, other Czech cities 
with virtually historical"jewels", which were heavily affected (e.g. Cesky 
Krumlov), are notgetting so much international publicity. I'm sure help 
would be appreciated thereas well. I've also heard of the Northern Bohemian 
town of Terezin, the siteof a former nazi-concentration camp, which is now a 
holocaust museum. Theirvaluable archives might have been damaged since they 
were not able to saveeverything in time.
 
Ann RussellExecutive DirectorNortheast 
Document Conservation Center100 Brickstone SquareAndover, MA  
01810tel:    978 470 1010fax:    978 475 
6021email:  <A 
href="mailto:annr@xxxxxxxxx";>annr@xxxxxxxxx