2024-09-18 19:48 update: 2024-09-19, 14:16
Donald Tusk, Tomasz Siemoniak, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Photo PAP/Maciej Kulczyński
Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, has said that the flood wave should have culminated in most places within the next 48 hours but voiced concern about the condition of flood embankments.
"The reports which tell us that, at key places, the culmination wave should not overtop flood embankments should not calm us down as ...there is always a question whether there is a risk of embankment failure as embankments have been under water pressure for a long time," Tusk said during an evening meeting of the flood crisis management team in Wroclaw, south-western Poland, on Wednesday.
"That is why, irrespective of the fact that we expect the culmination wave to be over at most places, we must still be mobilised," the prime minister said.
According to reports, Tusk said, the high water level is expected to remain on rivers for around 48 hours. "This means that the embankments will be put under very serious pressure," the prime minister said.
"And therefore all services must focus on their protection," Tusk underlined.
The prime minister also expressed his gratitude to thousands of average citizens who have been spontaneously helping services to protect their localities.
Storm Boris has left a trail of severe devastation in Central Eastern Europe. The southern regions of Poland have been affected by floods after heavy rain increased water levels in local rivers.
The government introduced a state of natural disaster on Monday, a legal measure aimed to streamline government support for regions in southern Poland affected by floods. It will cover parts of the south-western Dolnoslaskie, southern Opolskie and Slaskie provinces. It will remain in force until October 16. (PAP)
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