“Deteriorating hydrological conditions” are expected in Podkarpacie. Therefore, the army is preparing for possible assistance and rescue operations. An “additional engineering task force” is being established in the area.
As indicated by the IMWM second-degree warningvalid until Sunday at 10 a.m., up to 50-70 liters of rain per square meter may fall in Podkarpacie. The Government Security Center sent SMS warnings about heavy rainfall on Saturday.
The army is preparing an additional group
The General Staff of the Polish Army announced in a statement that “due to the expected deterioration of hydrological conditions in Podkarpacie, the engineering forces have launched an additional engineering task force in this area.”
As explained, it will be created on the basis of the 18th Sapper Regiment from Nisko, and will have at its disposal, among others, six tracked floating self-propelled transporters (PTS), which can move both on land and in water. “This makes them an ideal tool for rescue operations in difficult conditions,” we read.
“The group will also use 6 sappers' boats with outboard engines, as well as petrol saws and other small rescue equipment. The group will remain on 12-hour readiness for action in the Podkarpacie region,” it added.
Moreover, the headquarters reported, on the night from Saturday to Sunday, an engineering task force based on the 3rd engineering battalion moved from Krosno Odrzańskie to Nisko. “This group has completed its operations in the Lubuskie Voivodeship and is being sent to its permanent location. Hence, it will also be ready to operate in Podkarpacie. This group includes an evacuation team with three PTS, three sappers' boats, and a road team,” we read.
“In total, two engineering task forces with nine PTS and nine sappers' boats will be prepared to help the population,” the release said.
Subunits of the 3rd Podkarpackie and 20th Przemyśl brigades of the Territorial Defense Forces also remain on increased readiness in Podkarpacie.
Main photo source: PAP/Marcin Bielecki