The Polish Waters Authority (Wody Polskie) has launched a 24-hour hotline, 22 470 10 01, for reporting urgent maintenance work along the Odra River. Announced on Sunday, the hotline is dedicated to ensuring rapid response to emergency situations, with field teams ready to address reported issues immediately.
Key Flood Protection Measures
Regular maintenance of flood protection embankments is crucial to their integrity. These activities, such as bi-annual mowing, help prevent the overgrowth of trees and shrubs, which can weaken embankments and hinder inspections. The first mowing typically occurs between June and July, with the second between September and October.
Joanna Kopczyńska, President of Polish Waters, urged local officials to avoid tampering with the embankments. During a crisis meeting on Sunday, she stressed that panic-driven decisions, such as breaching or modifying embankments, could worsen the flood situation. “Our teams are experienced and knowledgeable about flood management,” Kopczyńska stated, encouraging patience and trust in the experts.