A year after the flood – the minister visits, Wrocław residents train

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Przemysław Koperski, accompanied by representatives of Polish Waters, visited Opole region and Lower Silesia on Monday. The meetings, organized a year after the catastrophic flood, served to inspect work carried out on hydrotechnical facilities and to discuss further actions with representatives of local governments.

There is progress, but more time is needed

During a press briefing in Głuchołazy, Minister Koperski admitted that it will take another 4–5 years to fully complete the reconstruction after the 2024 flood. In his view, the current activities also include catching up on delays from the 2010 flood, when many investments were not implemented despite having prepared project documentation.

Meanwhile, the Topola reservoir on the Nysa Kłodzka River is scheduled to be commissioned on October 30 this year, after its spillway was destroyed during last year’s disaster. The total budget of the project amounts to PLN 60 million. Marcin Jarzyński, Deputy President of Polish Waters for flood and drought protection, reported that efforts are also continuing to rebuild riverbank protections, install regulatory structures in riverbeds, as well as clear channels and repair bed and bank breaches. This includes, among others, the Złoty Potok River, which suffered damage along its entire length during last year’s flood.

The Topola reservoir, the Złoty Potok and other key facilities are regaining their functionality, while at the same time we are taking steps to increase the region’s resilience to future threats, assured Minister Koperski.

A wise Pole after the flood?

Reconstruction after the flood is to be actively continued next year as well – Polish Waters plan to allocate PLN 200 million for this purpose. Minister Koperski assured of the government’s determination but refused to provide the total amount of planned expenditures, explaining that work on next year’s budget is still ongoing.

According to the minister, further important flood protection projects in southern Poland are to be implemented under a new World Bank program worth €1.5 billion.

In response to journalists’ questions, Przemysław Koperski also informed about ongoing talks with the Czech side regarding safety in the catchment of the Biała River and the catchment of the Olza River. International cooperation is crucial for ensuring the safety of the towns of Głuchołazy and Cieszyn, but in the minister’s opinion, its success will largely depend on the outcome of the autumn elections in our southern neighbor.

Wrocław prepares for the worst

In Wrocław, the anniversary of the flood has become an opportunity for practical action. From Monday to Thursday, the city is hosting the Island 2025 exercises, aimed at coordinating emergency services in the event of a repeat of last year’s disaster. The campaign also serves to inform residents how to behave during a crisis situation.

The exercises, held both on water and on land, involve representatives of the fire brigade, the army, the police and rescue services, while the role of victims is bravely played by students of Wrocław high schools. The hypothetical scenario assumes the appearance of a flood wave on the Oder, which inundates successive districts of the city.

As part of the operation, the evacuation of 50 people, including wheelchair users, from Opatowicka Island is planned, as well as securing the City Canal against the flood wave. Vehicles, rescue boats and drones are being used, and the exercises include both the installation of flood barriers and first aid.

According to the initiators, Island 2025 is a response to the demands of modern times related to increasingly frequent climate disasters. As part of the broader Safe Wrocław program, it is intended to test the readiness of civilian services and improve their cooperation at the city scale. The exercises are also meant to draw lessons for the future and strengthen the resilience of the Lower Silesian metropolis.

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main photo credit: gov.pl