Kłodzko, a beautiful city, has been devastated by heavy rains that hit southwestern Poland over the weekend, causing severe damage comparable to the 1997 flood. The Nysa Kłodzka River overflowed, flooding the city center and suburbs. The cleanup is underway, but the impact on residents is significant, and aid is being organized.

Father Andrzej Migacz SJ, parish priest of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, acknowledges the damage, stating, “We will have to rise up and rebuild everything again." His parish has opened an aid point for flood victims, and they are working closely with the city authorities. People are encouraged to donate essential items like water, long-lasting food, hygiene, and cleaning products. Volunteers are on call from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the Jesuits answering phones overnight.

Father Migacz emphasizes that beyond emergency assistance, long-term support will be needed in the coming days. The parish plans to provide ongoing help to families, addressing their specific needs. “No aid will fully compensate for the losses suffered,” he acknowledges.

The repeated flooding has left residents frustrated and grieving. Mieczysław Kowalcze shared the story of a business owner whose company was destroyed in the suburbs. "The high water current caused devastation and anger," he says, noting that despite some preventive measures, like retention reservoirs, more could have been done to mitigate the damage.

Rebuilding Kłodzko will take time. Kowalcze recalls that after the 1997 flood, it took about a year to clear the worst destruction, though emotional scars remain. However, the spirit of solidarity is strong. Local residents, along with Poles from across the country, are already stepping in with donations of food and water. “The atmosphere is becoming friendly,” Kowalcze remarks, with both local and external support flowing in.

Father Migacz also reports receiving offers of help from Jesuits across Poland, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to ensure aid reaches those who need it most.

How to help the residents of Kłodzko through the parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

Account where you can donate to help flood victims:

Kłodzko Cooperative Bank: 05 9523 0001 0001 1817 2000 0001
The following note is required: "For flood victims".

Or via the website  jezuici.pl/donacje