We have taken into account these experiences from previous years. We have flood reservoirs, we have completely different functioning crisis management and of course also services that are prepared in a completely different way – said Maciej Awiżeń (PO), Lower Silesian Voivode, in “Fakty po Faktach”. He reassured that in his opinion the voivodeship will not experience floods such as those that occurred during the dramatic “flood of the millennium”.
Poland, and especially the southern region of the country, is preparing for very heavy rainfall, local flooding and possible floods. According to the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, rainfall totals of up to 150 liters per square meter are forecast for the Lower Silesia, Opole, Silesia and Lesser Poland provinces from Thursday to Sunday.
The Lower Silesian Voivode Maciej Awiżeń (PO) was asked in “Fakty po Faktach” on TVN24 whether this will be a repeat of the “flood of the millennium”, i.e. the massive flood wave that hit Lower Silesia in 1997, including Wrocław.
– Absolutely not. We are in a completely different place in history. In a place where we have already prepared – he emphasized.
The Lower Silesian Voivode reassures: we have preparedTVN24
He pointed out that “we also took into account the experiences from previous years”. – We have flood reservoirs, we have completely different crisis management and of course also services that are prepared in a completely different way – said the local government official.
He stressed that “I don't expect a flood like the one that happened 27 years ago.” “We expect spot floods with heavy rains,” he said.
What awaits the Kłodzko Valley? “We must neither ignore the alarms nor panic”
The governor was also asked whether the residents of the Kłodzko Valley have anything to fear. – I would say this: I am of course appealing for common sense, we must neither disregard these alarms that we announce, nor panic – he replied.
What awaits the Kłodzko Valley? “We must neither ignore the alarms nor panic”
He added that the residents of Kłodzko County “are really experienced with many floods, they know how to behave”. – Of course, we also have to remember that even in Kłodzko County, four new dry reservoirs have been built, which will protect part of the area below the reservoirs. Above the reservoirs, it's a different story. And these point floods are possible – he explained.
– However, all reservoirs – both in the Kłodzko region and further along the Odra tributaries – have enough capacity, flood reserves, to accommodate a flood wave – he continued.
Asked if he thought it would be a flood wave like the one in 1997, he said “no”. – A lot of water will indeed flow, that is about 300 liters per square meter, but over three days. Not over one day, as it was then, but over three days – he emphasized. He added that later we should observe smaller rainfalls.
Main image source: TVN24