Residents of the Czech Republic are filling sandbags as the country braces for severe flooding following days of persistent rain. The downpour, which began on Friday, is expected to continue until Monday, with forecasters warning that the resulting floods could be the worst in decades. In the eastern city of Olomouc, local authorities have already distributed 70 tonnes of sand to help residents protect their properties. The Morava River, the country's third longest, is predicted to peak on Sunday, potentially spilling into the surrounding lowlands, an area known for its fertile farmland. This region was also devastated by flooding in 1997, which claimed 50 lives and caused nearly $3 billion in damage. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES