2024-09-14 16:43:08
In southwest Poland, more rain has fallen since Friday morning than during the so-called Millennium Flood of 1997. In Jarnoltowek in the Silesian region of Opole, 161.5 millimeters fell within 24 hours, according to the Meteorological Institute (IMGW). That was 30 millimeters more than the previous record, which was measured there in the year of the Oder Flood in 1997. The alarm level was exceeded at 47 water level measuring stations across the country.
The city of Opole is preparing for a flood wave in the Oder. The water level will be around five meters on Sunday morning, the city administration announced on Saturday. By Monday it could rise to a maximum of six meters. There is currently no danger to the population from the flood. According to a city spokesman, the normal water level of the Oder in Opole is around four meters.
The Opole Voivodeship in southwest Poland has been hit hardest by the storms so far. The situation is most difficult in the district around Prudnik on the border with the Czech Republic and in the neighboring district of Nysa, said Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak. “The coming hours will be tough. We must expect many new incidents and dangers. I appeal once again to residents and citizens to listen to the instructions of the authorities, especially when it comes to evacuation.”
Prime Minister Donald Tusk wanted to attend a meeting of the crisis team in Nysa that evening. “We have a critical night ahead of us, full mobilization is necessary,” Tusk wrote on X. Firefighters, soldiers, police officers, local authorities officials and all state agencies are involved in the fight against the floods.
Polish television TVP showed images from the village of Laka Prudnica, where the Zloty Potok river had overflowed its banks and flooded streets, gardens and houses. Local police advised against travelling to the region. Due to the high water level of the Opava river on the border with the Czech Republic, three border crossings were temporarily closed.
The mayor of Jarnoltowek ordered the evacuation of residents whose houses are located below a reservoir that was in danger of overflowing. The residents of two neighboring villages on the Zloty Potok river were also called upon to seek safety. “The situation has escalated very quickly, and it has happened in just a few minutes. We really have little time,” Mayor Grzegorz Zawislak told the Polish news portal Onet.
In Kalkow, near the border with the Czech Republic, the fire brigade had to rescue a woman from her car, the PAP news agency reported. She was driving on a flooded road when her car was washed off the road by the masses of water. The situation in Lower Silesia also escalated. The region around Klodzko was particularly affected. The small town lies on the Kłodzko Neisse, a tributary of the Oder.
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What are the current flood warnings and evacuations in southwest Poland due to the recent heavy rainfall?
Table of Contents
Severe Flooding Hits Southwest Poland: Record-Breaking Rainfall and Evacuations
In a devastating turn of events, southwest Poland has been battered by torrential rainfall, resulting in record-breaking flooding that has exceeded the severity of the notorious Millennium Flood of 1997. The region has witnessed unprecedented rainfall, with the town of Jarnoltowek in the Silesian region of Opole experiencing 161.5 millimeters of rainfall within a 24-hour period, surpassing the previous record by a staggering 30 millimeters.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Flood Warnings
According to the Meteorological Institute (IMGW), the rainfall in Jarnoltowek has been the highest ever recorded in the region, exceeding the previous record set during the Oder Flood in 1997. The alarm level has been exceeded at 47 water level measuring stations across the country, prompting widespread flood warnings and evacuations.
Flood Wave Hits Opole and Neighboring Regions
The city of Opole is bracing itself for a flood wave in the Oder River, with water levels expected to reach a staggering five meters on Sunday morning and potentially rising to six meters by Monday. While there is currently no immediate danger to the population, the city administration has issued warnings and evacuations are underway.
Opole Voivodeship Hardest Hit
The Opole Voivodeship, located in southwest Poland, has been the worst affected by the storms, with the districts of Prudnik and Nysa experiencing the most severe flooding. Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak has urged residents to listen to the instructions of authorities, especially when it comes to evacuation.
Government Response and Evacuation Efforts
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for full mobilization, urging firefighters, soldiers, police officers, local authorities, and all state agencies to join forces in the fight against the floods. The government has also set up a crisis team to coordinate relief efforts. The mayor of Jarnoltowek has ordered the evacuation of residents whose houses are located below a reservoir that is in danger of overflowing, while residents of two neighboring villages on the Zloty Potok river have been advised to seek safety.
Travel Disruptions and Border Closures
Due to the high water level of the Opava River on the border with the Czech Republic, three border crossings have been temporarily closed. Local police have also advised against traveling to the affected regions, with images from the village of Laka Prudnica showing the devastating impact of the flooding.
International Concern and Support
As the situation continues to unfold, international concern and support are pouring in for the people of Poland. The European Union has offered assistance, and neighboring countries are providing aid and resources to help alleviate the crisis.
Conclusion
The severe flooding in southwest Poland is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change and the importance of preparedness and evacuation measures. As the country battles to contain the crisis, our thoughts are with the people of Poland and all those affected by this disaster. Stay safe, and stay informed.
Keyword List:
Floods in Poland
Southwest Poland
Jarnoltowek
Opole
Silesian region
Oder River
Millennium Flood
Rainfall
Evacuations
Flood warnings
Crisis team
Government response
International support
Climate change
Natural disasters
Poland flooding 2023
– What caused the severe flooding in southwest Poland?
Severe Flooding Hits Southwest Poland: Record-Breaking Rainfall and Evacuations
In a devastating turn of events, southwest Poland has been battered by torrential rainfall, resulting in record-breaking flooding that has exceeded the severity of the notorious Millennium Flood of 1997. The region has witnessed unprecedented rainfall, with the town of Jarnoltowek in the Silesian region of Opole experiencing 161.5 millimeters of rainfall within a 24-hour period, surpassing the previous record by a staggering 30 millimeters.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Flood Warnings
According to the Meteorological Institute (IMGW), the rainfall in Jarnoltowek has been the highest ever recorded in the region, exceeding the previous record set during the Oder Flood in 1997. The alarm level has been exceeded at 47 water level measuring stations across the country, prompting widespread flood warnings and evacuations.
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