Flood Alert in Poland

WEEKLY NEWS 14/98
Following the extensive destruction caused by flooding in Central Europe last summer, Southeast Poland once again faces a serious flood threat. Heavy rainfall has recently hit the province of Rzeszow, mainly affecting agricultural and farm land. In Tarnow, the local Red Cross branch is assisting 15 families who have been forced to evacuate their homes. Some 60 blankets and 64 mattresses have been released from Polish Red Cross emergency stocks for use by the local Red Cross branch. As the National Society continues to restock relief items after last year's emergency, it will be keeping a watchful eye on the weather over the next few weeks. The current alert brings back unpleasant memories for hundreds of thousands of people affected by last summer's deluge. Nearly 7 million Swiss francs were received in response to the Federation's emergency flood appeal, issued in July 1997.