The heaviest rainfall in nearly three decades has unleashed catastrophic floods across parts of Poland and the Czech Republic, forcing mass evacuations and causing widespread damage. As water levels continue to rise, local authorities are issuing urgent warnings and taking emergency measures to protect residents.
Jarnołtówek Faces Evacuation as Firefighters Struggle to Contain Rising Floodwaters
In the village of Jarnołtówek, located in Poland’s Opole Voivodeship, volunteer firefighters made a desperate appeal early in the morning, admitting they could no longer hold back the floodwaters. An evacuation order was swiftly issued as conditions worsened. Tomasz Siemoniak, the country’s Minister of the Interior, confirmed that the Jarnołtówek reservoir was approaching a dangerous level, escalating the threat to the region.
Głuchołazy Battles Worsening Floods as Authorities Issue Region-Wide Alerts
Nearby, the municipality of Głuchołazy is also grappling with severe flooding. Authorities and residents are struggling to cope as the relentless downpour shows no signs of letting up. Flood alerts have been issued throughout the region, with emergency teams working around the clock to manage the crisis.
Flood Emergency Declared in Zebrzydowice as Overflowing Rivers Submerge Roads and Threaten Homes
In Zebrzydowice, located in the Cieszyn district, local officials declared a flood emergency after days of intense rainfall caused rivers to overflow. Mayor Janusz Król reported several roadways were submerged, including Provincial Road 937, which leads to Jastrzębie Zdrój, though it remains passable for now. In Lower Silesia’s Lądek-Zdrój, dozens of homes are under threat, prompting the evacuation of residents.
According to the Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW), water levels have exceeded alarm thresholds at 41 monitoring stations across the country, with another 30 stations reporting warning-level conditions. The IMGW’s flood maps highlight the extensive impact of the disaster across Poland.
Czech Villages Isolated by Rising Floodwaters as Biela River Forces Mass Evacuations
Across the border in the Czech Republic, the situation is similarly dire. The village of Višňová, near Frýdlant, has been cut off from surrounding areas by rising waters, leaving residents stranded. Local authorities are working to evacuate the population to safety. In the Jeseníky Mountains, the Biela River has burst its banks, flooding downstream communities. The river, which flows through Poland’s Głuchołazy where it is known as the Białka, has forced the evacuation of 300 residents in nearby Czech towns.