Newly uncovered documents show that key government officials, including the Prime Minister, were informed of an impending natural disaster days before a devastating flood struck southern Poland. On Wednesday, September 11, at 2:30 PM, the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) issued third-degree hydrological and meteorological warnings for the region. The alerts, sent to the Prime Minister, the Government Security Center (RCB), and several ministries, warned of severe rainfall and potential breaches in river levels, with a 95% probability of occurrence.k
Despite this, the country was not placed on high alert. The warnings, as mandated by a 2019 regulation, were distributed to over 50 state institutions, including the Prime Minister’s office, the President, key ministries, and emergency services. However, the reasons behind the lack of a coordinated national response remain unclear.
By 5:00 PM that same day, the RCB convened a meeting with regional governors and relevant authorities, and an extraordinary team was formed to monitor the situation. Yet, despite the growing threat, it appears that no decisive action was taken to prevent the disaster, leading to questions about the government’s preparedness and response.
Lawmakers are now seeking answers, with PiS MP Kacper Płażyński questioning why the government, led by Donald Tusk at the time, did not fully mobilize resources before the flood hit. The lack of action, he claims, occurred despite ongoing meetings between the RCB, military, and other authorities.