Another dam breaks in Poland: State of emergency declared amid widespread flooding
Photo: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (Getty Images)
On Monday, September 16, another dam burst in Poland. The country’s government declared a state of natural disaster due to widespread flooding, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
"I convened a meeting to issue an order to declare a state of natural disaster as soon as possible," Tusk said.
He mentioned that a detailed list of the counties and municipalities affected by the emergency will be provided in Wrocław, where a crisis management meeting is set to take place shortly. Further clarification will also be given regarding what this state entails and its consequences.
"As part of the provisions in the state of natural disaster, there is a tool that allows for an evacuation order. However, as I mentioned yesterday, we will only use it when people’s lives are directly in danger," the Polish Prime Minister noted.
According to the draft ordinance of the Council of Ministers, a state of natural disaster will be imposed in the flooded areas for up to 30 days. Only necessary restrictions on rights and freedoms will be enforced, including an evacuation order and a ban on staying in certain areas.
Tusk also stated that one billion zloty from the reserve fund will be allocated to aid people affected by the floods.
Flooding in Poland
On September 15, severe weather hit Europe.
In Poland, the city of Stronie Śląskie in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship was flooded. The cause was the breaking of the dam on the Morawka River due to heavy rains.
Ukraine immediately offered assistance to Poland. Ukrainian rescuers are ready to help mitigate the effects of the flooding.
