Critical hours for flooded Prague as death toll rises

Danica Kirka, Prague

As the Vltava reached what was expected to be its flood peak at mid afternoon, authorities said the next five hours would be a critical test for the thousands of sandbags piled to hold back the swirling brown flood waters.

"It is the beginning of the worst moment," said Vaclav Baca, a spokesman for the river authority. "All of the flood barriers are at their maximum level."