Summary of PCK's actions for flood victims (October 2024)

On the same day that the flood struck the southern regions of Poland, specialists from the PRC Rescue Groups and GPH Humanitarian Aid Groups set out to provide assistance, working closely with local authorities and emergency services.

Thanks to rapid response and coordinated actions, it was possible to effectively supportthe evacuation of endangered residentsandprovide first aidin areas where it was most needed. In the first days following the disaster, specialists on site from the PRC groups, in cooperation with partners, delivered over 100,000 liters of water to those in need, while providing 300 meals to volunteers and residents securing the tops of the dikes.

The PRC Humanitarian Groups supported the reinforcement of flood dikestoprevent further damage. Rescuers also assisted insecuring propertyanddelivering food and water packagesto areas where access was restricted.

As the situation stabilized in the flood-affected areas, PRC began to implement actions supporting the mental health of the victims. In cooperation with the Lower Silesian University (DSU), PRC organized psychological support targeted at individuals who experienced trauma. Specialists from DSU, along with volunteers,conducted psychological support sessionsthatenabled residents to process traumatic experiencesandhelp in returning to mental balance.

To help children cope with the emotional impact of the flood,PRC initiated the Green Schools program – special educational and recreational sessions that allowed over 400 children from Lower Silesia and Opole to participate in therapeutic and supportive activities.Through the Green Schools, children were able to spend time in a safe environment, participating in workshops and activities that helped them manage difficult emotions, develop mental resilience, and gradually return to normal life. This program constituted a smooth transition from the rescue phase to recovery efforts, addressing not only the material but also the emotional needs of the community.

Thanks to the involvement of rescue and humanitarian aid groups, thousands of people received immediate assistance in the form of, among other things, evacuation help, shelter, food, and psychosocial support.

With the end of the rescue phase, the Polish Red Cross, continuously providing immediate assistance and assessing the residents' needs in the flood-affected areas in the context of the transition to long-term aid, is working on the principles of an extensive nationwide long-term aid program aimed at helping rebuild the lives and homes of those affected by the disaster.

Through these actions, PRC provides support not only during the crisis but also during the recovery period, helping local communities return to stable, safe lives and better prepare for the future.

Assistance so far in numbers:

Additionally: 4 educational-recreational sessions within the PRC Green Schools project, which involved over 800 children from the areas of Lower Silesia and Opole