Update on floods in Poland

View of Wisla river in Warsaw 22.05.2010

Flooding which hit southern Poland last week has spread northwards. Cities north and west of Warsaw lying near main rivers may experience flooding in the next days. Even though flood levels on the River Wisla are reportedly descending in Warsaw, residents are urged to remain vigilant as levels remain very high and enbankments are soaked. Reports advised “The most dangerous situation in Warsaw was in the Praga Port and Wawer districts [on the east bank]". Some major roads on the east bank are closed causing serious traffic difficulties in Warsaw.
 
Please note: Flooding poses a serious health risk. The Polish Sanitary Inspectorate warns about the potential epidemic threat in the flooded areas although occurrences of illness are still not frequent. Citizens and visitors are advised to keep away from flood water, always boil drinking water, cook food, wash down all flooded areas with detergent, call sanitary inspectors to dispose of any dead animals and in case of diarrhea, vomiting, strong abdominal pains or fever report to a doctor as soon as possible. Some areas have introduced a post exposure tetanus vaccination programme.
 
Flooding also has a negative impact on transport. There have been numerous cases of train delays and road closures throughout the country. 
 
Updated media reports in English are available on the Polish Radio website. New Zealanders in flooded areas are advised to follow the advice of authorities and check local media. The Polish language website of the Sanitary Inspectorate posts daily reports on the epidemiological situation in Poland while the Ministry of Interior and Administration website has information on the current flooding situation.
In addition; information on the situation in Warsaw is provided by the Warsaw Crisis Management Centre helplines: 0800 707 112 or 22 196 56. Information on the traffic situation, detours and closures is provided through the Warsaw Police Department telephone line: 22 603 80 02