WOŚP launches first aid transport for flood victims in Poland
The first relief transport for flood victims will soon depart from Warsaw, announced Jerzy Owsiak, head of the WOŚP Foundation, during a press conference regarding the floods in Poland with PM Donald Tusk in Wrocław.
Wrocław, Poland, September 17, 2024. PM Donald Tusk and Jerzy Owsiak, head of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOŚP), during a press conference in Wrocław. The WOŚP Foundation donated 40 million PLN (over 9.3 million EUR) for the purchase of essential supplies for flood victims.(sko) PAP/Maciej Kulczyński
Owsiak spoke on Tuesday alongside Prime Minister Tusk, who is visiting the Lower Silesia region in southwestern Poland due to severe flooding affecting the area.
„We reached out to Mr. Jerzy Owsiak as the top expert in providing fast and effective aid to people,” explained the Polish Prime Minister.
Tusk emphasized that food and water are already being delivered to the hardest-hit areas, such as Kłodzko and Nysa.
Owsiak added that the first shipment of aid from the WOŚP Foundation will soon depart from Warsaw, and efforts are underway to determine the best way to reach those affected by the flood.
He also expressed hope that the truck carrying relief goods would arrive safely at its destination, where it would be unloaded, and the supplies would then be systematically distributed to those in need.
In addition to donating 40 million PLN (over 9.3 million EUR) for essential supplies, the WOŚP Foundation has launched a special fundraising campaign to assist flood victims in Poland’s flooded regions.
The funds will be used to purchase vital supplies, including replacing medical equipment damaged by the floods. Local government officials will help identify the most urgent needs of the flood victims.
According to information given to Owsiak, the value of damaged equipment in hospitals in Nysa, Kłodzko, and Głuchołazy alone exceeds 10 million PLN (over 2.3 million EUR). Currently, over 4.5 million PLN (1.035 million EUR) has already been raised through the charity drive.
During the event, the Polish Prime Minister urged citizens to respect all flood relief efforts and not hesitate to support other charitable campaigns as well.
PM Tusk also thanked everyone in Poland who has been involved in helping to address the aftermath of the floods.
Polish Prime Minister further noted that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen may visit Wrocław in the coming days to discuss details of EU support for the hardest-hit areas.
In addition to equipment, specialists, and technologies needed to combat the flood damage, financial aid may be provided after a thorough assessment of the disaster’s impact.
The Polish government has offered citizens up to 100,000 PLN (over 23,000 EUR) in non-repayable aid for repairs to buildings damaged by the floods.
Read more about this subject:
- WOŚP pledges 40 million PLN for flood relief in Poland
- Flood crisis in Poland: residents advised to use bottled water amid ongoing emergencies
- Flood death toll rises across Central Europe
Source: IAR/PAP/KPRP/WOŚP
(m p)
