Jelenia Góra Under Siege: River Surges Over Flood Defenses [PHOTOS]

Why is it important?

Southern Poland is struggling with the effects of heavy rains. Many rivers have burst their banks and are flooding nearby towns. Kłodzko, Głuchołazy and Lądek Zdrój are just examples of cities that have been flooded. Jelenia Góra was also among the flooded areas.

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What did the city officials say?

“The flood embankments on Wiejska Street have broken. The evacuation of residents is underway,” wrote Jelenia Góra President Jerzy Łużniak after 8 p.m. Later, spokesman Marcin Ryłko denied it. “The information that the embankment has broken or been breached is untrue. It is intact, but there is already so much water in the river that it is flowing over the embankment and there are increasing floods on part of Wiejska Street,” he said.

He also reported that the situation in the centre of Jelenia Góra is very difficult, where entire areas of the city centre are flooded from Podwale, through Osiedle Robotnicze towards Grunwaldzka Street.

– It is not only the Bóbr that is flooding us there, but also the Młynówka River and the situation is getting worse. The water level in the streets is getting higher and higher. Unfortunately, the water is being discharged from overflowing retention reservoirs and this is causing our city to flood – assessed the spokesman

The authorities have issued an appeal to residents of the streets near the Kamienna and Wrzosówka rivers to prepare for a possible evacuation. “It may get worse, because firefighters say another wave is coming on the Bóbr River,” Ryłko added.

What decision was made regarding schools?

“Due to the flood situation, after consultation with the Lower Silesian Education Superintendent, the president of Jelenia Góra decided to suspend classes in all educational institutions in the city on September 16 and 17 this year,” the Jelenia Góra city website reported.

What about tap water?

“The State District Sanitary Inspector in Jelenia Góra informs that due to heavy rainfall, tap water is suitable for drinking, preparing cold drinks and meals, washing fruit and vegetables, making ice, washing kitchen utensils and cutlery, and brushing teeth only after boiling” – it was reported on the website of the city of Jelenia Góra.

It added that “it should be brought to the boil and cooked for two minutes. If necessary, set aside to cool without adding ice.”

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