The mayor of Nysa, Kordian Kolbiarz, has ordered the immediate evacuation of the entire town due to the imminent threat of catastrophic flooding. In an urgent message shared via social media on September 16, Kolbiarz warned residents that the city could be completely submerged if emergency repairs to a damaged levee along Wyspiańskiego Street fail.
“We face a very real and growing risk that the levee will breach,” Kolbiarz said, describing the situation as “extremely dangerous” and emphasizing the threat to both lives and property. He urged citizens to evacuate immediately, instructing those unable to leave to move to the highest floors of their buildings, as floodwaters could rise to several meters, potentially inundating the entire city.
Emergency Response Mobilized
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In response to the crisis, emergency services, including firefighters and the military, have been deployed to assist in evacuations and repair efforts. Soldiers are working to reinforce the damaged section of the levee in a race against time, as heavy rains and rising river levels continue to worsen the situation.
BREAKING:
— Poland-24.com (@poland24com) September 16, 2024
Entire Polish town Nysa evacuated amid danger of it going completely under water imminent. #powódź2024 #powodź2024 #Powodź pic.twitter.com/LokEXLcVwL
“If the levee breaks, the river will surge into the town,” Kolbiarz explained, adding that the consequences could be devastating. While local authorities are doing everything possible to prevent the worst-case scenario, the risk remains too high to delay evacuation. “I am officially declaring the evacuation of Nysa,” the mayor confirmed, underscoring the gravity of the threat.
Kolbiarz’s appeal was accompanied by reassurances that authorities are closely coordinating efforts to manage the situation, and residents were advised to listen to official communications for further instructions. Despite the urgency, the mayor asked for calm and cooperation during this critical time, stressing that safety was the top priority.
Widespread Regional Flooding and National Attention
Nysa is not the only area grappling with the flood crisis. The entire region has been battered by extreme weather in recent days, leading to widespread flooding. The Polish government has activated crisis management teams to handle the emergency, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk overseeing operations from a crisis center in Wrocław.
National officials have expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of the flooding, with the Ministry of Finance announcing plans to implement zero VAT on flood relief aid. President Andrzej Duda has also pledged financial support, committing PLN 3 million in aid for flood victims.
A Desperate Fight to Save the City
While emergency crews continue their efforts to prevent disaster, the situation in Nysa remains critical. The damaged levee has created a breach that could result in a significant flood surge, submerging homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. Authorities have also warned against looting in the evacuated areas, promising strict punishment for any individuals caught exploiting the crisis.
The unfolding situation in Nysa serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters, and efforts to save the town from total inundation are ongoing. Residents have been urged to follow official guidance and prepare for the worst as local and national authorities work to mitigate the effects of the flooding.
