SMS alerts with government safety warnings have been sent to residents in Lower Silesia and Opole in southwestern Poland, where the flooding situation is most severe.
Tap water may be unsafe to drink or may only be safe after boiling, warn Polish sanitary and epidemiological authorities.
Emergency services respond: bottled water and hygiene supplies urgently needed
The Polish military provided support to flood victims using amphibious vehicles, including delivering access to drinking water.
According to Paweł Szymkowicz, the mayor of Głuchołazy near Opole in southwestern Poland, where a bridge was washed away by rising water, residents need bottled water, hygiene supplies, and disinfectants.
"Currently, the problem is the lack of running water. People cannot prepare meals and may struggle with maintaining hygiene. Many will need to remove debris left by the floodwater.
Therefore, we are requesting deliveries of bottled water, dry food, hygiene products ranging from toilet paper to wet wipes, and disinfectants. Every donation is appreciated," said the mayor.
The Biała Głuchołaska River has flooded Głuchołazy in southwestern Poland, September 15, 2024 (PAP/M.Meissner)
"We were concerned that elements of the temporary bridge might become entangled in the structure of the new bridge under construction, potentially creating a dam that would direct all the water into the town.
Fortunately, the water washed away both bridges simultaneously, so the river can now flow freely. The town center, including the market square, the spa area, and surrounding areas are flooded" the mayor of Głuchołazy reported.
Those needing evacuation should display a white flag in a visible location.
School and preschool students in Głuchołazy will have a break from classes until Tuesday.
Weather forecasts suggest that conditions in Poland will stabilize. However, the hydrological situation remains challenging, and further evacuations may be necessary.
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Source: IAR/PAP/PR24/RCB/MSWiA/IMGW
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