Floods in Poland destroy fields and fill granaries

The situation of farmers in some Polish provinces of the westernmost regions of Opole and Lower Silesia is very difficult. Also in eastern Germany and Austria there are still flooded rivers. The western rural areas of Poland are experiencing high losses in crop production, especially in rapeseed, wheat and sugar beets 

The worst flooding in Central Europe in at least two decades has wreaked havoc in river valleys from Romania to Poland over the past two weeks, killing at least 24 people, destroying bridges and covering riverside towns and cities in a thick layer of mud and debris.

The flood wave has caused enormous destruction along many rivers: mountains of rubble, silt and silt weighing several tons, loss of property. Almost half of the inhabitants of remote villages are still cut off from running water and electricity. The recovery is in principle impossible only with the help of the army.

The losses concern not only fields and fields, but also the already harvested products. Rivers flooded many warehouses, silos and farm buildings where Polish farmers stored their grain. Some arable fields have been completely destroyed and it will be impossible to sow them again in the coming months.

The construction and clean-up work will take the people in the region many months, if not years. Some railway lines in the eastern region of the Glatz Mountains have been destroyed. Train connections that are not possible are being replaced by buses.

Strict inspections of food and feed safety will be introduced in the flood-affected areas of TP4Tn. “Grains, fodder (…) and other agricultural products that have been washed away by floods are unfit for human consumption and for feeding animals,” the Polish ministry said in a statement. Drinking water from wells will also no longer be allowed, and all food that has come into contact with river water must be thrown away, regardless of its packaging.