The flood relief operation is underway in a number of affected cities and towns. At the outset of the crisis centre meeting, Prime Minister Donald Tusk thanked the authorities for their readiness, in particular the Polish Army, which is helping the affected residents.

“I am pleased to say that after the stressful meetings of the last few hours, after meeting people who were expecting to be taken care of, we are getting to them as quickly as possible,”

the Prime Minister pointed out.

Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that there were 700 soldiers in Lądek-Zdrój, 600 in Stronie Śląskie, 500 in Kłodzko itself and 180 in the Kłodzko area. 16,000 soldiers are expected to be active in the affected areas in the morning, to assist with securing the embankments and evacuating residents.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk also urged people to keep off the waterlogged embankments, as it may lead to them weakening. As a result, the water might start seeping through, which is more dangerous than overflowing.

Additionally, the Prime Minister pointed out the outpouring of support among the general public. As he pointed out, thousands of people decided to help the authorities on their own accord, supporting the efforts to protect their cities and towns.

During the meeting, local government officials were urged to make it easier for construction assessment experts to reach sites that require immediate checks.

“This is really very important. Winter is coming. We need to understand as quickly as possible what can be renovated and what needs to be rebuilt. That is not all - we need to provide housing and makeshift shelters as well,”

the Prime Minister explained.

What is more, the officials in charge of disbursing funds have the duty to make life easier for residents.

“All officials have the duty to help people with filling in the assistance request forms to enable them to get their 10 000 PLN subsidy as quickly as possible. Try to avoid making it harder for people. And keep that in mind,”

 the Prime Minister noted.

As he explained, the work of the officials responsible for disbursing funds will be supervised.

Following the recommendation by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Minister of the Interior and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak decided to suspend some of the powers of the mayors of Stronie Śląskie and Lądek-Zdrój.

“This is connected with crisis management and relief operations. I have appointed Superintendent Michał Kamieniecki to carry out these duties. We need strong leadership there,”

 the Minister noted.

This decision was taken to protect the interests of the residents, as Stronie Śląskie and Lądek-Zdrój require good coordination of all authorities.

“We also need to make the municipal authorities more efficient, as far as benefits are concerned. I urge all officials and employees of the two municipalities to follow Mr. Kamieniecki’s instructions, as he is there to make sure that people get the help they need,”

Minister Tomasz Siemoniak pointed out.

The mayors of Stronie Śląskie and Lądek-Zdrój will go back to their normal duties when the crisis situation in their cities is brought under control.

The next briefing concerning the flood will take place on Thursday at 7:00 a.m.