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Italy has been grappling with a severe flooding crisis in its northern region, and Poland has stepped forward to offer assistance to combat this natural disaster.
The floodwaters, triggered by the overflow of more than 20 rivers in Emilia-Romagna, have wreaked havoc, claiming the lives of 14 individuals, displacing over 36,000 people from their homes, and inflicting billions of euros worth of damage.
The impact of the flooding has been widespread, affecting nearly 100 municipalities and rendering approximately 500 roads impassable or destroyed. In light of this dire situation, Poland’s State Fire Service spokesperson, Karol Kierzkowski, announced on Sunday that Poland had extended an offer to aid Italy. The assistance would involve a rescue module comprising 44 firefighters, 19 vehicles, and high-performance pumps, all poised to assist in combating the natural disaster.
“Due to severe weather conditions, floods and landslides, Italy requested international assistance in the form of 4 high-capacity pump modules (capacity of each pump at least 600 l/s – i.e., 36,000 l/min). In response, Polish firefighters are ready. Mission Italy,”
Chief Commandant Andrzej Bartkowiak wrote on Twitter.
However, the acceptance of Poland’s rescue offer now lies in the hands of the Italian government. Once the offer is approved, Polish firefighters are prepared to mobilize within a swift 12-hour timeframe. The duration of the rescue mission is estimated to span up to 21 days, indicating Poland’s commitment to aiding Italy during this crisis.