Local Flood Hazard Reduction Plans in Poland — Problems and Perspectives

Abstract

This article presents the current state of affairs and perspectives fordevelopment of flood warning systems, concentrating on the problems oflocal communities. Weaknesses in the organization of flood protectionare presented, based on analysis of the impact of the catastrophic floodin Poland in July 1997. Directions are proposed for action to improvethe effectiveness of local flood warning systems. The problems describedare illustrated with examples of actions taken by municipalities - boththose taken during the flood in 1997, and attempts presently beingundertaken to improve local warning systems and flood response. Thoughboth the problems identified and the proposed solutions concern thesituation in Poland, a portion of these reflections has universalcharacter.