The services are anxiously monitoring the situation in Brzeg Dolny, where the Odra River is still rising and there are leaks on the embankments. The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the transfer of 10 billion euros from the Cohesion Fund to countries struggling with the effects of flooding. In turn, the Polish police, in cooperation with the German police, have located and captured the perpetrator of the tragic accident on Trasa Łazienkowska. Here are five things worth knowing on Friday, September 20.
1. A disturbing situation below Wrocław
In Brzeg Dolny (Lower Silesian Voivodeship) the gauge will show 950 centimetres – IMGW director Robert Czerniawski announced at the crisis headquarters after 9 p.m. – If nothing happens to the embankment, which is already loaded, we still have 120 centimetres in reserve – he added.
Before 1 a.m., reporter Wojciech Skrzypek reported that the embankment at the June 4 bridge in Brzeg Dolny had started leaking. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene and the situation was brought under control.
At 6 o'clock the water level at this place was 938 centimetres.
2. A spectacular action organized in 24 hours
Łukasz Szulc from Poznań, when he heard about the flood, announced a collection of items for flood victims on Facebook. Within 24 hours, he collected several tons of gifts, most of which were given to Poznań Caritas. The collected aid went to residents of Kłodzko, Lądek-Zdrój and Stronie Śląskie.
In turn, Mr. Mateusz set off with his friends on quads to Stronie Śląskie within three hours to deliver aid where cars cannot reach.
Strengthening the embankments in Wrocław, 19.09Press Office of the Wrocław City Hall
3. Von der Leyen in Poland. EU funds will go to Poland
A meeting related to the flood was held in Wrocław, attended by: the Prime Minister Donald TuskPresident of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Ministers Czech and Slovakia Petr Fiala and Robert Fico, as well as the Chancellor Austria Karl Nehammer.
After the meeting, von der Leyen announced at a press conference that the countries affected by the flooding would be able to use 10 billion euros from the Cohesion Fund. She added that it would be “100 percent financing” because “the time is exceptional and the actions must be exceptional.” As reported by the head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister Jan Grabiechalf of these funds are to go to Poland.
4. The perpetrator of the accident on Trasa Łazienkowska arrested in Germany
Polish police, in cooperation with German police, have located and apprehended the perpetrator of the accident on Trasa Łazienkowska. The accident killed a 37-year-old man who was driving a car with his wife and two children in accordance with the regulations. The rest of the family was taken to hospital, the woman is in serious condition.
The man is now facing the procedure of extradition to Poland under the European Arrest Warrant – according to unofficial information from tvn24.pl. On Thursday evening, it was confirmed by the District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw.
READ ALSO: The perpetrator of the accident on Trasa Łazienkowska, Łukasz Ż., was detained in Germany
5. Series of explosions in Lebanon
Explosions of electronic devices belonging to Hezbollah fighters were captured on video. The video shows dark smoke appearing in five locations in Beirut over a two-hour period on Wednesday.
According to Lebanese authorities, dozens of people were killed and several thousand injured in the explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Main image source: Press Office of the Wrocław City Hall