Czech Republic prepares for refugee influx in South Moravia Region

The Czech Republic is preparing for an influx of refugees in its South Moravia region by checking the capacity of hospitals and social facilities and looking for buildings which could be used as detention centers for refugees in the future, regional governor Michal Hasek said Tuesday.

He said the number of refugees sharply increased all over the country in recent months, most of whom hail from the Middle East and Africa.

Czech police detained about 850 refugees in southern Moravia region this year, which is about four times more than last year. Many of them have been placed in a facility in Zastavka near Brno, South Moravia.

Hasek said South Moravia is a gateway for refugees to the Czech Republic. He said searching for possible refugee centers would take place only after discussions with local authorities and citizens of these sites.