Society

Storms wreak havoc across Poland in ‘night of hell’ that leaves thousands without electricity

Strong winds and heavy rain have wreaked havoc across eastern and southern Poland, with emergency services pushed to the limit coping with damaged roofs, flooded homes, and fallen trees.

Across the regions, firefighters were called out over 2,400 times, with Silesia seeing over 1,000 interventions as violent winds ripped off 145 rooftops, and the Meteorological Office declared the country’s third highest level weather warning.

The worst-hit city was Racibórz, where 100 km/h winds saw firefighters called out over 130 times, while the nearby village of Pstrążna saw its church, rectory, and local kindergarten severely damaged, as well as over 20 homes.
One resident told TV reporters that “hail the size of tennis balls was falling from the sky.” Meanwhile, thousands of people have been left without electricity or water, with Masovia seeing firefighters called out 622 times, Lesser Poland 272, Lublin 89, and Opole 82.

Karol Kierzkowski, spokesman for the State Fire Service, said: “Most events were recorded in the Silesian Province, i.e. over 1,100 events.

“There, approximately 170 buildings were damaged, including 15 roofs torn off.

“The wind reached a speed of about 120 kilometers per hour, so its force was destructive.”
Source: Polskie Radio24/TVN24
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