This summer, several old, historical countries in Europe were badly damaged by ravaging floods, the worst to hit for many decades.

In fact, in Dr. Marie Krausova’s home country of the Czech Republic, the previous floods in 1890 were not so bad – the last time it had rained as heavily as in 2002 was 1000 years ago.

Dr. Marie Krausova, the UN Volunteer Doctor stationed in Dhaka, was at home on holiday when the floods started in August.

"I was travelling in the south and became trapped there when the small rivers started rising. I managed to take the last possible train and go to Pisek, where I have a cousin. The whole area was one big lake–like Bangladesh during the rains," she said.

In the Czech Republic, a country with a written history dating back to the 9th century, all life developed along the riverbanks. The two main rivers are the Danube and the Labe, which are fed by many smaller rivers. Since the riverbanks are built up, there was nowhere for the water to go except up.

Pisek was a trading town during medieval times and boasts the oldest bridge in the country, dating back to the 14th century. By morning of the first day, the waters had flowed over the bride, destroying its stone statues.

Across the country, a similar story was being repeated – houses, churches, theatres, city halls, hospitals, factories, shops, offices, all deluged by swirling waters. In Prague, everyone feared that the historical quarter of the city would suffer the same fate. However, it was saved by a prefabricated wall built in one day by the people of the city.

"Everything was very well organised. There was no panic. The government immediately formed a committee. People were warned in time and evacuated to schools, food and water were distributed, bedding and clothes were provided and the police prevented looting. Children were sent to the mountains to avoid stress. Transport was free and vaccinations were given to prevent the spread of disease," Dr. Marie Krausova said.

"Warnings and instructions were issued over radio and TV. People were told where to go to volunteer for a particular job," she added.

Despite the widespread destruction, in a country of five million people, only seven died, and this too because they did not listen to the authorities.

"People were all co-operating and helping each other. They volunteered for all sorts of jobs from making sandbags to helping in hospitals. Those who had not been affected raised money to help others.

"I thought I would have lost my car but my neighbours had taken it out of the garage so the police could keep it in a safe place. When I got to Prague, they were able to trace it immediately," Dr. Marie Krausova said.

The floodwaters have receded now, leaving a huge clean up and restoration task.

"The sad part is that after years of neglect, the country was just starting to come alive again. Old buildings had been repaired and restored, theatres were functioning and there were music concerts. Culture was flourishing again. We are not a rich country. This will set us back 10 or 20 years," Dr. Marie Krausova said sadly.

"Some people have lost all their possessions which took a lifetime to collect. Factories have been destroyed and people are unemployed. The water is polluted. There are many problems," she added.