English Section

Oder river falls below alarm level in Wrocław, flood situation under control

25.09.2024 09:23
The water level of the Oder River in Wrocław has fallen below the alarm threshold for the first time in a week. While the flood situation is under control, monitoring continues.
The Oder River in Wrocław in southwestern Poland has dropped below the alarm level for the first time in a week, with the flood situation under control but ongoing monitoring.
The Oder River in Wrocław in southwestern Poland has dropped below the alarm level for the first time in a week, with the flood situation under control but ongoing monitoring.(amb) PAP/Maciej Kulczyński

Measurements showed the river at 449 cm at 10:50 PM on Tuesday, just one centimeter below the alarm level. The situation in Wrocław is stable, but water levels are still being closely observed.

According to IMGW forecasts, the water level was expected to drop to 440 cm by Wednesday. This morning, it was reported that the water level is at 442 cm.

"It's good that we can start with this information. Wrocław is no longer threatened by the high flood wave. We are always aware that something could happen at any moment, but symbolically, it can be said that this time the flood did not hit Wrocław," Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Wednesday during a morning meeting of the crisis management team in response to the flood in Poland.

The flood wave passed through the city on September 19 without causing damage, peaking at 644 cm. The historical record for water levels in the Oder at this location was set in 1997, when the river reached 724 cm. 

Local authorities thanked residents for their solidarity during the recent collective efforts to protect the city from flooding.

So far, 7 flood-related deaths have been confirmed in Poland, and one person is missing and presumed dead, although their body has not been found.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Wiesław Szczepański, in a comment for Polish Radio, dismissed rumors of a higher death toll, reportedly 20-30 people, but did not rule out the possibility of discovering more bodies during the cleanup of flooded areas.

Read more about the flood in Poland:

Source: IAR/PAP/IMGW/X/@wroclaw_info/@PremierRP

(m p)