BERLIN (AP) - The authorities across central Europe are reinforcing flood barriers to prevent rising rivers from bursting their banks after days of heavy rain.

Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes along the Vltava river in the Czech Republic. Officials are warning that its waters could reach critical levels in the capital Prague later on Sunday.

Evacuations are also taking place in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The southern German cities of Passau and Rosenheim have issued a disaster warning as the Danube and Inn rivers continue to swell.

The DPA news agency reported on Sunday that Passau has asked the German army for support in erecting its flood defences.

At least four people have died or are missing due to floods in Germany and Switzerland in recent days.