Aleksandra Kossowska – Photojournalist Based in Warsaw

In southwestern Poland, rivers have once again overflowed, flooding key towns such as Kłodzko, Lądek-Zdrój, Stronie Śląskie, and Nysa. The Biała Głuchołaska river breached its levees, destroying bridges and flooding Głuchołazy. This disaster was triggered by the cyclical Genoa low-pressure system, which forms over northern Italy, bringing heavy rains to Central-Eastern Europe. Residents of Wrocław, Opole and Lower Silesia watched the weather forecasts with growing concern, recalling the tragic floods of 1997 and 2010.

Floods in Central Europe have become more frequent, with climate change playing a significant role. The south of Poland, with its mountainous terrain, faces an increased risk from rivers like Morawka and Biała Lądecka, which easily overflow. Inadequate flood prevention, including poorly maintained levees and increased urbanization along floodplains, has worsened the situation. Towns like Kłodzko and Stronie Śląskie are now more vulnerable to catastrophic flooding.

Climate change has also intensified the evaporation of Mediterranean waters, even in seasons like September, leading to an increased likelihood of Genoa lows affecting Central Europe. Despite efforts to control such events, there are natural forces beyond civilization's ability to fully manage. Even small differences in the scale of these forces can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected by such disasters.