Orlík Reservoir Drops 15 Metres, Exposing Ruins of a Drowned Village

A severe drought has forced authorities to sharply cut water releases from the Orlík reservoir on the Vltava, with only a minimal outflow now being allowed. Since spring, the water level has dropped by roughly 15 metres, exposing the remains of buildings and a cemetery belonging to Červená nad Vltavou — a village that was almost entirely submerged when the reservoir was built.

Along with the ruins of the flooded settlement, the receding waters have also revealed the remnants of old bunkers and rocky caves. Historians say one of these caves sheltered resistance fighter Miloš Blažek, who reportedly hid there from the Gestapo for nine months.

Rusty barrels raise police concern

Rusted metal barrels have also emerged along the exposed shoreline. Both local residents and police initially feared the objects might be linked to the so-called Orlík murders committed in the 1990s.

According to police, however, most of the barrels turned out to be ordinary debris that had broken loose from houseboats and pontoons moored on the reservoir. Officers are nonetheless urging the public to report any discovery of ammunition as a priority. Historians note that the area near the Podolí bridge is the most likely place to find shells and cartridges, since retreating German forces dumped weapons and ammunition there at the end of World War II.

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Source: ct24.ceskatelevize.cz