The West Pomeranian Voivode Adam Rudawski reported that since Monday (September 23), the Odra River level has increased in Gozdowice, and it is 14 cm short of the warning level. The services predict that the wave will reach the region on Wednesday (September 25). Until further notice, a third-degree hydrological warning about the rising water level is in force, with the Odra River exceeding the alarm levels of the border waters.
“The Odra river level has increased in Bielinek, where it is 41 cm short of warning level, and in Gozdowice, where it is 14 cm short of warning level. In other places on the Odra and the Szczecin Lagoon, the water gauge readings have not changed,” the West Pomeranian Voivode reported on social media on Tuesday (September 24).
– Water is still being pumped out in the town of Piasek. Minor repairs to the embankments are being carried out in the Police district and, just in case, residents of Puck Island will be informed about the possibility of taking sandbags in connection with possible flooding – explained Adam Rudawski.
Water levels and warning levels in West Pomerania (September 24, 2024)Adam Rudawski
The alarm levels will start to be exceeded in Wednesday (September 25) in the afternoon at the height of the town Kaleńsko and Pigsties.
“Elevated water levels may remain here for up to a dozen or so days”
Michał Durka, director of Polish Waters in Szczecin, said that the technical infrastructure had been verified by an authorized person and there was no reason to worry. – Polish Waters, together with soldiers of the Territorial Defense Forces, are constantly monitoring in connection with potentially long-term standing water and due to the passage of the flood wave – he added.
Until further notice, a third degree hydrological warning about a rising water level exceeding the alarm levels of the Odra River border is in force.
The voivode also drew attention to the length of the wave, which may last in the region for several or even a dozen or so days, which will result in increased water levels.
– Then there is a natural risk of seepage of the embankments. We want to prevent this, which is why two helicopters, big bags and sandbags are available to be used to immediately repair leaks – he explained. – Just in case, the embankments have been reinforced and supplemented in Gryfino, Piasek, Stary Kostrzynek, Stara Rudnica, Żabnica, Bielinek, Chlewice and Kaleńsk – he added.
West Pomeranian Voivode: we are afraid that the wave will be very long and will last for several or even a dozen daysTVN24
Flight bans and closed navigation on the Oder
By decision of the director of the Regional Water Management Board in Szczecin, navigation on all waterways on the Oder has been closed since September 23. Owners of all vessels stationed on the Oder should tow them to a safe place or pull them ashore.
Additionally, a civil flight ban zone for unmanned aerial vehicles has been designated over the Odra River. An absolute ban on moving along flood embankments is also in force at all times. The restriction is in force until further notice.
Roads closed
From Wednesday (September 25), roads that may be flooded when the water level rises will be closed. The following roads will be impassable: Kaleńsko – Szumiłowo, Chlewice – Porzecze, Osinów Dolny – Stary Kostrzynek and Gryfino – Mescherin.
– We do it just in case, so that, for example, someone doesn't drive into the water at night – said Rudawski.
Detours for drivers have already been designated.
Main image source: TVN24