Wroclaw Battles Flood

Heavy rainfall in southern Poland last week has triggered a domino effect as flood waters sweep across the country leaving many towns and villages under water. Tens of thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes, and 12 have been killed. Much of the country, particularly in the north and west, will continue the battle with flood waters throughout the week.

Despite reassurances from Wroclaw's mayor Rafal Dutkiewicz on Saturday that flood barriers will keep with "100 percent certainty", the flood waves eventually proved too much for the city's defences. The Oder river, which runs through the centre of Wroclaw, broke its banks in two places flooding several residential areas including Korzanow. While many dikes continue to be threatened across Wroclaw, the water level has begun to recede.