MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –
Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.
The Prime Minister called a special government meeting on Saturday to adopt changes to the draft budget for 2025 and discuss actions related to removing the effects of the flood. The heads of the State Fire Service, Police and General Staff were also invited to participate – the first part of the meeting was a staff briefing. In the second part, the Council of Ministers adopted changes to the draft budget for 2025, which will provide funds for the reconstruction of flooded areas. Coordinated actions and emergency aid
The actions of the government and services in connection with the flood situation include record involvement of firefighters and police officers as well as cooperation with the army, including the establishment of a joint helicopter center.
As for the reconstruction, the assessment is ongoing. Of course, at this point the most important thing is to remove the immediate damage, pump out the water, and pay benefits, but from what the governors told us yesterday, it is progressing very dynamically.
– The Minister said of Internal Affairs and Administration. Within two weeks, benefits were given to almost 37 thousand families, and over 622 million zlotys were allocated to remove the effects of the flood. The Minister assured that the actions are coordinated and the threat is under control, thanks to constant monitoring of the situation and ongoing cooperation between the services and local and central authorities.
Nearly 200 reasons to be happy
In the face of dramatic weather conditions, aviation played a key role in rescue operations, saving 199 people who were in immediate danger. Thanks to determined pilots and specialized rescue units, almost 5,000 people could be evacuated from flood-prone areas. The pair testifies to the enormous strength and effectiveness of the services that have been and continue to provide help in the most difficult moments.
It is good that the public has heard these words about the direct effect of the work of, for example, our pilots in rescue operations using helicopters – 199 people are alive only because these determined, brave people were on duty all the time and ready to help.
-Prime Minister Donald Tusk said. The situation in West Pomerania remains serious, water levels exceed alarm levels. We must remain vigilant and cautious, because the flood wave not only poses a challenge to the embankments, but also requires additional precautions and coordination of actions. Due to heavy rainfall, Podkarpacie now requires special attention, also taking into account the terrain conditions. Local events may have serious consequences there, which is why it is necessary for the services to focus on monitoring the situation.
The government is mobilizing forces for reconstruction after the flood
Minister Marcin Kierwiński, the government’s plenipotentiary for the reconstruction of flood-affected areas, shared the latest information on the situation after the disaster. The process of estimating the damage is ongoing, and even at this stage the numbers are shocking. It is already known that the flood destroyed over 17 thousand residential buildings and almost 8.5 thousand economic facilities. The list also includes about 1150 public buildings, including 141 schools and 41 bridges. In the flood-affected areas, the governors, supported by the army, are involved in cleaning up and rebuilding key infrastructure. This refers not only to roads and bridges, but also to ensuring access to electricity, water and unclogging the sewage system.
In the face of the devastation caused by the flood, the government is taking urgent action to restore normalcy to residents. Our priority is not only to clean up, but also to rebuild key infrastructure that is essential for the life and functioning of local communities
– said the government’s plenipotentiary for the reconstruction of flood-affected areas. In the face of such enormous challenges, the government plans to establish priorities in order to restore normalcy to residents as soon as possible. El Ministro M. Kierwiński promised to keep the situation and progress in reconstruction up to date. Immediately after his speech, he went to the flood-affected areas.
Military actions in response to flood
The Polish Armed Forces have been actively responding to the flood since the beginning. 13,646 operational soldiers and 3,261 Territorial Defense soldiers are participating in the action. The army is involved in rescue operations and support for local communities affected by the disaster.
The army carries out all the tasks we set from the very beginning, from receiving the first information and putting it on alert. Operational troops bear the burden of flood damage repair operations
– said the Minister of National Defense. As part of Operation Feniks, the army is also involved in clearing communication, disinfecting apartments and delivering meals. El primer minister Kosiniak-Kamysz drew attention to the need for cooperation with other institutions and the need to monitor flooded areas.
False alarms and their consequences
Since the beginning of the flood crisis, the government has been working with the police and prosecutors to ensure the safety of residents of flood-affected areas. The Prime Minister noted the seriousness of any crimes, such as false alarms, which can divert the attention of services from real threats.
It’s not much different from false bomb threats. These are things that mean that somewhere else someone could be in real danger, because the police, fire department, or the military will follow the false signal.
– emphasized the head of government. Various conspiracy theories and disinformation activities also contribute to the damage and undermine trust in the state. Therefore, Donald Tusk thanked the police and prosecutors for their quick and effective actions, which accelerate the court proceedings against criminals.
Help for households and entrepreneurs
The government is introducing various forms of support for entrepreneurs and households affected by the flood. Among the available funds is emergency aid in the form of a flood allowance, which amounts to PLN 8,000 for households and an additional PLN 2,000 for people in a particularly difficult situation. “Emergency aid in the form of a flood allowance has already reached approximately 40,000 families in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. We are monitoring this process to ensure that support is provided efficiently and in accordance with simplified procedures,” said the Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy. In a special so-called flood act, the government has also introduced one-off aid in the amount of PLN 1,000 – it is to alleviate the effects of the need to dry flats and houses. Renovation aid is also planned, which is intended to support people who have damaged buildings, including those used for business activities. Owners of small businesses, such as hairdressing salons, can also apply for aid. Detailed information can be found on the website.
Changes to the budget for 2025 – financial support for reconstruction after flooding
The Council of Ministers has adopted changes to the draft budget act for 2025, which are a response to the exceptional flood situation in the country. The government gives priority to helping the victims, which is reflected, among others, in the increase in funds for counteracting the effects of natural disasters to the amount of PLN 3 million 191 million. The budget amendment proposal also assumes an increase in spending on housing by PLN 420.2 million and on research by PLN 50 million, which emphasizes the government’s commitment to the social and economic development of the country. Detailed information on the draft amendment to the budget act for 2025. Additionally, the government recommended to the Sejm to reduce the budgets of entities such as the Supreme Court, the National Broadcasting Council, the Institute of National Remembrance and the Chancellery of the President by a total of PLN 200 million.
We are analysing that the budgets of entities such as the Supreme Court, the National Broadcasting Council, the Institute of National Remembrance and the Chancellery of the President could be reduced by an amount of no less than PLN 200 million, and this could be allocated to helping people affected by the flooding.
– The Minister of Finance reported. In the budget for 2024, the government has secured PLN 2 billion for now without the need to amend it. Analyses regarding the need and possibilities of increasing these funds are ongoing.
MILES AXIS
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
MIL Translation OSI