Severe Flooding Hits Bielsko-Biała, Disrupting Daily Life and Infrastructure

On June 4, the city of Bielsko-Biała in the Silesian Voivodeship of Poland faced severe flooding following heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The downpour resulted in water levels reaching up to 1 meter in some areas, inundating entire districts, a railway station, and a bus depot. The archives of the local prosecutor's office were also damaged.

The flooding has caused significant disruptions in transportation, with restricted movement of transport and trains in the region. Emergency services have responded to over 700 calls, addressing numerous flooded cellars and properties. The mayor of Bielsko-Biała has issued a situation warning, highlighting the severity of the situation.

In addition to Bielsko-Biała, other areas in the Silesian Voivodeship, including Katowice and Cieszyn, have also been affected. Local fire services in Katowice have been pumping out water since the morning, and the border town of Cieszyn and its surroundings have experienced similar flooding issues.

The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) reported that 127.4 mm of rainfall was recorded in Bielsko-Biała in 24 hours, with a record 148.4 mm at the nearby Wapienica station. The Wapienica River reached its highest water level to date at 595 cm, exceeding the historical maximum by 15 cm.

Why this matters: The severe flooding in Bielsko-Biała, Poland has significant implications for the region's infrastructure, economy, and residents' daily lives. The potential consequences include prolonged disruptions to transportation, damage to properties, and a strain on emergency services, highlighting the need for effective disaster management and preparedness.

The flooding has also forced the closure of two kindergartens in the Bielsko district because of river flooding. Alarm levels were exceeded on the Olza, Wapienica, Ilownica, and Oder rivers. The National Fire Service Headquarters received 900 reports from across the country, with 50 firefighting units working in the Bielsko-Biała and Bielsko districts, dealing with the hit situation.

Forecasters predict that thunderstorms and heavy rains will intensify, potentially leading to new flooding. The weather forecast indicates a partial change starting Wednesday, with cooling expected at the seaside and in the mountains. Intense thunderstorms are anticipated in central and southern Poland, with local hailstones, rainfall up to 40 mm, and wind gusts up to 60 km/h.

Despite the current flooding, water levels are low in many rivers, with almost half of the hydrological stations in the Vistula Coastal, Pregolese, and Nemunas basins, plus the southern part of the Oder River basin area, observing low water levels. A hydrogeological low may develop in July and August in the southern and eastern parts of the country, with a forecast of particularly unfavorable conditions for observation points in several locations, leading to a situation.

The long-term weather forecast for summer predicts higher than average temperatures with a high possibility of hot weather. However, rainfall totals are not expected to exceed the norm, suggesting a risk of drought. Authorities and residents are urged to stay vigilant and prepared for potential future flooding and other weather-related challenges, while the situation unfolds.

Key Takeaways

• Bielsko-Biała, Poland faces severe flooding after 127.4mm rainfall in 24 hours.
• Flooding causes disruptions to transportation, damages properties, and strains emergency services.
• Other areas in Silesian Voivodeship, including Katowice and Cieszyn, are also affected.
• Forecasters predict intensified thunderstorms and heavy rains, potentially leading to new flooding.
• Long-term forecast suggests higher temperatures and drought risk, urging authorities to stay vigilant.