Orlická reservoir reveals debris and barrels due to low water

Record-low water levels at the Orlická reservoir in the Czech Republic have exposed various discarded items on the reservoir floor, including barrels, a safe, a stove, and other debris. The appearance of sealed barrels initially caused public concern due to historical associations with the Orlické murders of the 1990s.

Police and firefighters investigated several reports of suspicious containers. Upon inspection, these barrels were found to be empty or filled only with water and mud, likely serving as former floats for pontoons or flood-related waste. Authorities have advised citizens to report sealed or inaccessible objects to the police via the 158 emergency line, but noted that not every piece of debris requires an official response.

In addition to the barrels, the receding waters have revealed significant amounts of metal, plastic, glass, and remnants of former structures. The state enterprise Povodí Vltavy is working to manage the waste, with local fishermen assisting in the cleanup efforts.