10 Aug 2010 18:37:50 GMT
Source: Reuters
BOGATYNIA, Poland, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Poland's new President Bronislaw Komorowski on Tuesday promised aid to the southern town of Bogatynia, cut off by floods which killed at least 15 people in central Europe last weekend.
On a visit to the town, Komorowski told its 18,000 residents they could count on the state's support.
"I have seen with my own eyes the damage and I can say that the rescue services know what to do," Komorowski told a news conference. "I can say that Bogatynia is not, and will not be, alone."
Heavy rain caused a river to burst its banks and damage more than 200 houses. Three bridges were swept away in and around Bogatynia.
Three people, including a fireman, were killed in the town during the weekend flooding and more casualties were reported in Germany and the Czech Republic.
Poland's parliament will meet on Thursday to approve a bill providing for swifter response to such disasters.
Komorowski said he would sign the bill into law as soon as possible so that aid could reach the town quickly.
Also on Tuesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk promised investment in flood barriers to prevent such damage in the future.
"Everything points to the fact that this region of Europe is exceptionally experienced with dramatic climate events this season. This means we must improve the effectiveness of our actions in the future," Tusk told a news conference in Warsaw.
"Our dikes are not ready for that amount of water and this requires serious investment," he said. (Reporting by Wojciech Zurawski; writing by Gabriela Baczynska and Kuba Jaworowski; editing by Andrew Dobbie)