Floods in Poland. Prime Minister announces aid for victims

– We want it to be very fast, flexible, so that people do not have to wait when they need such urgent help – said the head of government. He said that the provision of financial assistance will be coordinated by voivodes, and it will be decided at the municipal level who needs such a benefit.

The Prime Minister said that it would be aid similar to that which his government first launched for victims of the tornadoes in August 2008.

Donald Tusk addressed the residents of areas threatened by flooding. – We would like to warmly ask all those who live in these places where the water is rising higher and higher, who feel threatened, to follow the orders and requests of the fire department and police in a disciplined manner. This primarily concerns evacuation from places that are really threatened – said the Prime Minister.

As he pointed out, according to the information provided to him by the firefighters, there are places where it is difficult to convince residents to leave their homes. – And in an hour, maybe in five hours, evacuation will not be possible – he noted. He emphasized that the services are prepared for these actions, coaches are waiting for the evacuated people. – I kindly ask you not to take risks and cooperate with the guards and police. We save time when civilians cooperate in a harmonious manner with the services – he added. The Prime Minister also assured that when the water recedes, the services will stay with the people. – In 1997, people were left helpless, with drama, houses flooded with water and mud. People cannot be left alone after dramatic events, we have issued instructions in this matter – emphasized Tusk.

After the conference, Tusk went to Głuchołazy, where the flood threat is currently the greatest. He recalled that “there are two bridges there, a temporary one and the one under construction”. – When I was driving here to Nysa, the water was already touching the first bridge and the water was already accumulating – he reported. He pointed out that the situation there is critical due to the risk of the bridge being torn off by the water. – It is difficult to even accept the consequences of a possible collapse of this temporary bridge. Then you do not know how the water will flow, so we have to be very focused on Głuchołazy itself, also possibly on quick help, if necessary – he explained. The Prime Minister also said that for now, national roads are generally passable. He noted that “of course there are a lot of local floods”. Tusk pointed out that although the term “local flooding” sounds harmless, “for people on the spot it is a road under water, or part of a village, or part of a city under water”.

Read more: She got stuck in a car that was flooded by a river. Dramatic rescue >>>

Tusk also spoke about the weather forecast for precipitation in Czech Republic. – On the one hand, some forecasts speak of possibly decreasing precipitation, but these indications in Czech waters are very worrying, so we can expect that in many places this water will be even higher, significantly above the alarm levels – he informed. He added, however, that “forecasts, both in the Czech Republic and in Poland, are corrected and change from time to time. Weather events are not entirely predictable”. As he emphasized, the most demanding development of the situation should be taken into account. – We must be mobilized in case of the most negative scenario – he stated.

As the Prime Minister pointed out, Poland is much better prepared to fight the elements than it was in 1997 and 2010. He added that since then, flood infrastructure has been built, and flood reservoirs still have reserve capacity, “including reservoirs that protect Oława and Wrocław in the event of very large water”. The head of government added that managing flood reservoirs requires coordination. – Sometimes it will be necessary to release water, partially raise it in some sections, in order to have a flexible reserve in the event of larger water – said the head of government. He added that the coming night will be “a dramatic challenge for everyone”. The Prime Minister also referred to cooperation with the Czech side and allegations that water discharges from Czech reservoirs increase the flood risk in Poland. – I would be careful about making such allegations. We have enough problems due to water from the sky to look for unnecessary emotions in relations with our neighbours. Cooperation between government administrations and the exchange of information is full. At the moment I have no reason to say that any serious threats in Poland result from the irresponsible actions of the Czech side – he noted.