Wrocław faces a serious weather challenge – according to weather forecasts, the city can shortly experience evidence rainfall. As a consequence of the upcoming weekend, the expected rainfall may be as advanced as 150 litres per square metre, which will be an unprecedented situation in the past of Wrocław. In consequence to this threat, the city has activated a crisis staff which aims to guarantee the safety of residents and minimise possible damage.
Emergency Staff in Action
On Thursday, 12 September, the main crisis staff, comprising the city's president, Jacek Sutryk, and the executives of key urban enterprises specified as the MPWiK (Municipal Waterworks and Sewerage Company) and the Center for Crisis Management, gathered. Their aim is to coordinate action in consequence to incoming dense rainfall. The Sutryk emphasizes that the situation is monitored on an ongoing basis and peculiar attention is paid to places that are regularly exposed to flooding, specified as viaducts or trackways.
- “We are facing a weekend full of rain challenges. Although the forecasts foretell somewhat little rainfall than previously estimated, or 150 litres per square metre, they will inactive be recordable for Wrocław. That is why we have established a crisis staff that monitors the situation on an ongoing basis," president Sutryk says.
Preparations of Wrocław for the Shower
In the face of the coming intense rainfall, municipal services have taken action. The key challenges facing the city are to safe infrastructure and minimise the hazard of flooding key areas. Przemysław Gałecki, MPWiK vice president, points out the actions taken to safe the water and sewage system:
- ‘The sewage treatment plant operates at full speed. If there is simply a power outage, we have the units ready to guarantee the continuity of work. We besides emptied the reservoirs on Długa Street to redirect water there if necessary," explains Gałecki.
All key infrastructure elements, specified as flaps, locks, culverts and sewer grates, are regularly controlled. Wrocław is besides prepared for possible failures – pumps will be launched if essential to let water to be pumped from flooded areas specified as the TBS settlement in Forestry.
- “In the morning our main collector was filled with only 30%, which means that we have reserves in case of dense rainfall,” MPWiK Vice president adds.
Crisis management centre and service support
The Centre for Emergency Management coordinates activities between urban services and is in constant contact with the fire department, which plays a key function erstwhile intervention is needed. Wrocław has about 1 million sandbags in stock, which can be utilized to defend those exposed to flooding.
- "We are in constant contact with the fire department, which will respond first. If necessary, we will immediately deliver sandbags to the most endangered places," says Bartłomiej Bajak, president of the Center for Crisis Management.
Local call: Be prepared
President Sutryk urged residents to besides take precautions in the face of the coming rain. It recommends that residents safe their homes, garages and another commercial buildings that may be exposed to flooding.
- “We ask each of the residents to take care of their property – hide valuables and make certain your homes are well secured,” added the President.
Wrocław ready for a unique challenge
Although Wrocław faces a hard challenge, thanks to the appropriate preparation of urban services and liable attitude of the inhabitants, the city is ready to face the coming evidence rainfall. Coordinated activities, cooperation of services and awareness of residents are crucial to minimising hazard and ensuring safety during this utmost weather situation.
Wrocław is ready for the downpour of the century – and the crisis staff operates at full velocity to defend the city and its inhabitants.
Read more:
Wrocław is preparing for the rain of the century. Authorities appeal to residents
