Flood in Poland: Oława rallies as peak wave moves through
In Oława, the flood wave on the Oder River has been slightly lower than expected, allowing the city to avoid significant flooding, although residents continue to reinforce riverbanks as the peak flood wave passes through.
Oława, southwestern Poland, September 18, 2024. Inhabitants work in the flood defenses to protect the area from the anticipated flood wave.(mr) PAP/Maciej Kulczyński
The peak flood wave on the Oder River is passing through Brzeg in southwestern Poland, where water levels have exceeded 7 meters. The bridge has been restricted to one-way traffic, and lower floors of buildings in low-lying areas are flooded. Due to the wastewater treatment plant being offline, sewage is flowing down the streets.
Oława residents strengthen defenses as flood wave reaches
In Oława, the peak flood wave on the Oder was slightly lower than anticipated, and the city has so far managed to avoid flooding. Residents have been reinforcing riverbanks throughout the night.
Tomasz Frischmann, the mayor of Oława, provided updates on the local flood situation to the TVP3 Wrocław news channel.
Polish Radio correspondent Patryk Kuniszewicz confirmed that the water gauge on the Oława River currently reads 740 cm, and it will take several more hours for the peak flood wave to pass through the area.
Southwestern Poland faces severe flooding, clean-up begins in some areas
Villages in southwestern Poland, such as Ścinawa and Siedlce, are in critical condition, with many residents refusing evacuation.
The flood situation in Lewin Brzeski, in the Opole Province, is improving with water levels decreasing since yesterday evening. However, residents still face power outages and lack of communication.
While some Poles are still preparing for the arrival of the flood wave, in the areas already affected, the cleanup from the recent disaster is slowly beginning.
Lądek-Zdrój, southwestern Poland, September 17, 2024. The residents of this small town have started to slowly clean up after the flood, which destroyed many buildings and streets (PAP/K.Cesarz)
Four bridges in flood-affected areas are impassable: in Bolesławiec, Głuchołazy, Maleszowice Wielkie, and Mochów. In Głuchołazy, the military is setting up a temporary bridge.
Impassable sections of national roads include: DK46 in Kamienica, DK12 in Szprotawa, DK45 in Krapkowice, DK39 between Strzelin and Wiązów, and DK94 in Skorogoszcz. One-way traffic control has been implemented on DK40 in Mochów.
Water appeared this morning in Stabłowice on the outskirts of Wrocław, with parts of Główna Street being flooded. Residents are trying to place sandbags where possible.
The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management forecasts possible rain and storms in southern Poland.The heaviest rainfall, up to 20 liters per square meter, is expected in Małopolska and Podkarpacie, while the most intense showers will miss the flood-threatened areas.
Read more about this subject:
- Poland waives flood victims’ housing loans for a year
- Ursula von der Leyen to visit Poland amid flood emergency
- Polish army warns looters: high-tech patrols monitor flood zones
Source: IAR/PAP/Polskie Radio/IMGW
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