The drama depicted in the acclaimed Netflix series “High Water” is unfolding once again in southwestern Poland. In some areas, the flooding is even worse than during the catastrophic events of 1997 shown in the film. But the Poles stepped up to the challenge, immediately rallying to the aid of their fellow citizens affected by the floods.
Towns and cities such as Kłodzko, Lądek Zdrój, Stronie Śląskie and Głuchołazy in the Sudeten Mountains have already suffered near-total devastation from the torrential rain brought on 13th and 14th September by the Genoese low-pressure system Boris. The floodwaters have not only destroyed bridges, swept away cars and washed out everything in shops and homes, but they have also obliterated entire buildings, leaving these towns looking as if they had been bombed.
A repeat of the 1997’s tragedy
Four days after the floods peaked, some villages are still cut off from the rest of the world due to the lack of mobile communications (no electricity) and submerged roads that hinder or prevent the delivery of essential aid such as food (shops are closed), drinking water (water pipes are not working), cleaning supplies and clothing. Meanwhile, residents are beginning a massive clean-up and assessing their losses.
As of now, the number of fatalities in the ongoing floods in southwestern Poland stands at 10. However, local authorities caution that this number could rise, as the recovery process has only just begun and more victims may be found in flooded houses or flats. Most of the deaths – seven out of ten – occurred in Stronie Śląskie, with most people swept away by the floodwaters during evacuation attempts (as of 18 September). Among the deceased is a prominent Silesian surgeon who was returning from duty at a hospital in Prudnik when the wave hit Nysa. Authorities suspect he drowned while attempting to escape from his vehicle as it was being swept away by water.
Flooding persists as many Silesian rivers remain above their flood levels, despite the ceasing of rainfall. Rivers such as the Bóbr, Oder, Bystrzyca and Oława continue to pose a flooding threat. Residents in the towns along these rivers are reinforcing embankments and vulnerable streets with sandbags arm in arm with fire brigades and the army.
A state of emergency has been declared also in larger cities of the region, including Opole and Wrocław, both of which experienced severe flooding in 1997 and 2010. However, everyone is hopeful that the infrastructure built since these disasters—such as the large reservoir in Racibórz—will help mitigate the wave’s impact and prevent a repeat of the tragedy.
To help control the situation and provide assistance, the government has declared a state of natural disaster in the flooded and endangered areas. While the battle against the disaster continues, the government has announced systemic aid for all affected people. In addition to a onetime, non-refundable aid of PLN 10,000, flood victims will receive PLN 100,000 or 200,000 each to help rebuild or repair their homes. Residents of flooded areas have already started receiving payouts from their private insurance policies.
Spontaneous support from fellow citizens
Within the first few hours of the flood, spontaneous communal aid initiatives began in affected areas. Every city in Poland has at least one collection point for essentials such as food, water and cleaning supplies for flood survivors. Numerous Polish humanitarian organisations, including Caritas Polska, The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (GOCC) and Polish Humanitarian Action, have responded immediately through their regional branches. Their volunteers have set up field kitchens in flooded villages, provided generators, food and water, and coordinated ground-level assistance alongside the fire service and police. The GOCC has also established a special fund to replace equipment and supplies in flooded hospitals and health centres.
In addition, community fundraising campaigns for flood victims are being organised. Many Polish companies have joined these efforts, not only by donating substantial amounts to the fundraisers but also by providing their services and products for free to those affected by the floods. For example, a parcel machine operator has introduced free shipping for gift parcels, while other companies are providing generators, dehumidifiers and food.
Local governments across Poland are also contributing by sending donations and service units. Representatives of the political class are stepping in to help too: a collection point has been quickly established in the Sejm for donations from members currently working in Warsaw, while President Andrzej Duda dispatched a large shipment of drinking water and essential food items. He has also opened the presidential residence in Wisła to accommodate those who have lost their homes and need shelter.
In his speech on 17 September at a ceremony marking the 85th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Poland, President Duda expressed his gratitude and called for continued support for the flood victims.
“I ask that we mobilise now to help our compatriots in southwestern Poland. They desperately need our help. Many people have lost their life’s possessions, and countless others are on the brink of or already in despair; some have tragically lost their loved ones. I seek your support, your solidarity, your understanding and your help!” said Polish President Andrzej Duda.
Poland isn’t the only country in Central Europe struck by the floods – the Czech Republic, Austria, Romania and Slovakia have suffered as well. In the coming days, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is expected to visit Wrocław, where she will meet with Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the leaders of other countries affected by the disaster.
Account numbers for official collections organised by large and well-known institutions (accounts for donations from outside Poland):
Caritas Poland
SWIFT: BIGBPLPWXXX Euro (EUR): PL 23 1160 2202 0000 0000 3436 4677 US Dollar (USD): PL 57 1160 2202 0000 0000 6663 1212
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