Nysa, Poland – Sept 17 – In the town of Nysa, located in southern Poland, volunteers and emergency services are working tirelessly to strengthen flood defenses after heavy rains have caused catastrophic flooding across Central Europe. This severe weather event has led to the tragic loss of at least 18 lives in various countries, with the situation continuing to evolve.
The flooding crisis has affected a broad region, with rivers overflowing their banks in the Czech Republic, rising levels of the River Danube in Slovakia and Hungary, and widespread inundation in Austria. The areas bordering the Czech Republic and Poland have experienced some of the most severe impacts, with rivers swollen by debris and excess water causing extensive damage. Bridges have collapsed, homes have been destroyed, and entire communities have been displaced.
In response to the escalating disaster, the Polish government has declared a state of emergency in the hardest-hit areas and has committed 1 billion zlotys (approximately $260.38 million) to support flood relief efforts. The immediate focus is on protecting the town of Nysa, where the situation has become critical. Volunteers are working around the clock to reinforce flood barriers with sandbags, a task that has seen the involvement of military helicopters to aid in the transport and placement of these essential barriers.
The residents of Nysa are grappling with the aftermath of evacuations. Many are returning to their homes to assess the damage, despite ongoing concerns about the stability of their neighborhoods. Sabina Jakubowska, a 45-year-old local resident, described her experience: “We had to leave our home, even though we live on several floors. The situation seems calm now with the sun shining, but the water is still present on our street.”
National fire chief Mariusz Feltynowski, in discussions with Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Wroclaw, confirmed that significant progress has been made in securing the embankments around Nysa. The involvement of military resources, including helicopters, has been crucial in these efforts, helping to fortify the town’s defenses against the encroaching floodwaters.
In the historic city of Wroclaw, which has a population of around 600,000, preparations are underway for expected high water levels along the Odra (Oder) river. The city’s zoo has mobilized volunteers to build sandbag barriers to protect the facility and its animals. Fortunately, the animals have been safely relocated away from the flood-affected areas, ensuring their well-being during this crisis.
Polish authorities are also working on filling a major reservoir near the Czech border. This reservoir is a key component in managing water levels and preventing the overlap of flooding waves affecting both the Odra and Nysa rivers. The role of this reservoir is particularly significant given the historical context of the 1997 flooding event that severely impacted Wroclaw.
The flooding has resulted in a significant number of fatalities across the region. Romania has reported seven deaths, while Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic have each recorded four, three, and four fatalities respectively. The Czech Republic has seen extensive evacuations, with Prime Minister Petr Fiala indicating that over 13,000 people have been displaced. Additionally, tens of thousands of households in both the Czech Republic and Poland are currently without power.
In Ostrava, a city in northeastern Czech Republic, a breach in a barrier at the confluence of the Odra and Opava rivers led to flooding in the industrial zone, affecting key facilities such as the BorsodChem chemical plant and the OKK Koksovny coking plant. This incident highlights the extensive impact of the flooding on the region’s infrastructure and economy.
Hungary is also dealing with the ramifications of the floods, particularly in the historic towns of Visegrad and Szentendre, located north of Budapest. Authorities in these areas have implemented mobile dams as a precautionary measure against rising waters from the Danube. In Budapest, preparations are underway for potentially record-breaking water levels, with Margaret Island—a popular recreational area—closed to the public. Tens of thousands of sandbags have been deployed to protect the island and its surrounding areas from the advancing floodwaters.
As the flood crisis continues to unfold, the affected regions remain on high alert, with ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate the disaster’s impact. The resilience and dedication of volunteers, emergency services, and local residents are vital in navigating this challenging period and ensuring the safety and recovery of the impacted communities. The combined efforts of national and local authorities, along with international support, will be crucial in addressing the immediate needs and long-term recovery for those affected by this devastating flooding event.