Scale of flood damage in the Śląskie, Opolskie, and Dolnośląskie voivodeships

The September flood that swept through Poland left behind extensive material losses in municipal and private infrastructure, as well as in the agricultural sector. We asked the authorities of the most affected voivodeships about the scale of destruction, the progress of the commissions assessing damages, and the forms of support already provided to those affected.

Opolskie Voivodeship

The September flood caused significant damage in the Opolskie Voivodeship, impacting both infrastructure and agriculture. The estimated value of losses in municipal infrastructure currently stands at nearly PLN 3.3 billion, including damage to roads, bridges, public utility buildings, and other communal facilities. Losses in private infrastructure, encompassing residential and agricultural buildings, amount to over PLN 190 million.

The agricultural sector also suffered significant losses. According to data collected by the Opole Voivode, the following estimates were made:

• The number of affected farms: 1,243;
• The area of crops damaged by the disaster: 10,694 hectares;
• The value of damaged crops: PLN 32,282,477;
• Losses in farm buildings: PLN 1,018,606;
• Losses in machinery and farming equipment: PLN 425,579.

As of November 29, 2024, the total agricultural losses, including damages to beekeeping and fish farming operations, amounted to over PLN 36.6 million. Assistance provided to the affected includes renovation and construction allowances as well as support for farmers. To date, residents of the Opolskie Voivodeship have submitted 4,348 applications for renovation and construction allowances, and the disbursed funds total PLN 195.5 million. Additionally, PLN 67.5 million has been allocated to municipalities and PLN 1.4 million to counties for flood recovery efforts.

Śląskie Voivodeship

In the Śląskie Voivodeship, municipal infrastructure losses as of December 2, 2024, were estimated at PLN 804 million. In the agricultural sector, based on reported damages, the following losses were calculated:

• Value of crops damaged by the disaster: PLN 5,957,034;
• Value of greenhouse crops damaged: PLN 16,567;
• Losses caused by livestock deaths: PLN 25,037;
• Losses in apiaries: PLN 70,600;
• Losses in fish ponds: PLN 983,349;
• Losses in livestock buildings, machinery, and agricultural equipment: PLN 474,796.

Some municipal commissions have already completed their work, but full data will be available once all protocols have been verified.

Support for those affected in the Śląskie Voivodeship includes targeted and flood-specific allowances, as well as renovation and construction assistance. Disbursed funds include:

• Targeted allowances: PLN 14,863,368;
• Flood allowances: PLN 10,341,018;
• Renovation and construction assistance for residential buildings: PLN 12,541,865.77.

Funds are being disbursed continuously, often on the same day the application is submitted to the Śląskie Voivodeship Office.

Dolnośląskie Voivodeship

The Dolnośląskie Voivodeship was the most severely affected by the flood, with estimated losses as of December 5, 2024, exceeding PLN 5 billion. These losses span the agricultural sector, public infrastructure, as well as private and municipal properties.

Main photo: Jacek Halicki – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia
Source: Based on press releases from the Dolnośląskie Voivodeship Office in Wrocław, the Śląskie Voivodeship Office, and the Opolskie Voivodeship Office.