Mud avalanche in the Subcarpathian region. Effects of intense storms and downpours

In recent days, the Subcarpathian region has experienced extreme meteorological phenomena, including intense thunderstorms with heavy rainfall that contributed to mudslides. The worst damage was reported in the village of Borucina, where a landslide blocked a 100-meter stretch of road and caused flooding of buildings. Unfortunately, these incidents also resulted in the death of one person, a tragic reminder of the power of nature.

Responses of the services and the consequences of the damage

The storms caused severe damage to infrastructure, including flooding of basements and tree damage that blocked roads and damaged power lines. As a result of the mudslide, several houses were cut off from the rest of the village, forcing the evacuation of residents from the affected areas. As the Regional Crisis Management Center’s duty officer Piotr Dziekan told PAP: A mudslide terraces the passage for about 100 meters. Mud mixed with branches of trees has flowed onto the district road between the palniny: Caryńska and Wetlinska ran off mud mixed with tree branches, which terraces the passage. Services are working on the spot.

After the storm front passed, firefighters in the area intervened thirty-seven times, dealing with pumping water out of flooded basements and boiler rooms of a school in Sanok, as well as removing terrain obstacles. These are not all the consequences of the storms in Subcarpathia. The fire department has reported a tragic incident that occurred in the village of Hoszow. A passenger car attempting to cross the ford was swept away by a strong current of water. Unfortunately, the 71-year-old driver of the vehicle was unable to save himself.

Most interventions were recorded in the Bieszczady, Jaroslaw, Lesko, Przeworsk and Sanok districts. Local authorities together with NGOs have launched relief initiatives, providing temporary shelter. Assessments of property losses and planning of corrective and preventive measures to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future are also underway.

Summary of rescue operations on 01/07/2024, due to heavy rainfall in the Bieszczady district, emergency services intervened 16 times. Incidents included:

• water pumping,
• removal of fallen trees,
• culvert unblocking.

Number of Local Hazards [MZ]:

• Municipality of Ustrzyki Dolne – 9 incidents
• Czarna municipality – 4 incidents
• Lutowiska municipality – 3 incidents

Source: District Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Ustrzyki Dolne

The mystery of mudslides

Among the most unpredictable and destructive natural phenomena that can occur in Poland, mudslides occupy a prominent place. Defined as the rapid displacement of masses of earth, rocks, water and other materials, mudslides are most often formed as a result of heavy rainfall or the sudden melting of snow. These phenomena are capable of destroying everything they encounter in their path – from roads to bridges to buildings. The mechanism of mudslide formation is complex and depends on many factors, such as soil texture and type, slope and hydrological conditions. Human activities, such as deforestation and ill-considered land-use planning, also have a significant impact, which can increase the risk of this phenomenon.

Climate change as a catalyst for disasters

Recent decades have brought with them climate change, which directly translates into an increase in the frequency and intensity of mudslides. Among other things, warming is causing accelerated snow melt and changes in the spatial distribution and intensity of precipitation. These hydrological changes make mountainous and hilly areas increasingly saturated with water, increasing the risk of landslides. Prolonged periods of drought interspersed with heavy rainfall further destabilize the ground, further contributing to mudslides.

How to prevent disasters?

In Poland, as in many other countries, landslides cause significant changes in topography and severe damage with long-term financial consequences Recognizing and forecasting landslide events as a preventive measure is therefore an important part of land use planning [1] and prevention strategies. This requires the coordinated action of many scientific disciplines and interdisciplinary cooperation. Key elements in preventing the effects of avalanches are reforestation programs and the use of advanced monitoring technologies.

The use of remote sensing and GIS systems makes it possible to quickly identify areas at risk and respond early to potential threats. Such measures not only minimize the risk of disasters, but also protect lives and property. However, success in their implementation depends not only on technical expertise and research capabilities, but also on political determination and public commitment. Preventing mudslides is therefore not only a technical challenge, but also a social one, requiring understanding and support at all levels of emergency management.

Appeal to Residents

Since yesterday, we have seen a marked cooling, but there is still a risk of extreme weather events. IMGW-PIB forecasts indicate that the heat will return at the end of the week, but until then violent storms with heavy rain, hail and strong winds are expected. Due to the predicted conditions, authorities are urging people to exercise caution, avoid flooded areas and report threats immediately. Increased vigilance and cooperation with local emergency services are key to our safety.