In September 2024, a devastating storm named "Boris" swept through southwestern Poland, unleashing heavy rains and floods that claimed the lives of seven people, with many still missing. The city of Nysa was particularly hard-hit, forcing 44,000 people to evacuate. In the small town of Lewin Brzeski, 90% of the area was submerged, and the extent of the damage prompted the government to declare a state of emergency. 

On the morning of September 17, Tzu Chi volunteers in Poland quickly mobilized and traveled 283 kilometers from Poznań to the hardest-hit regions of Kłodzko and Ołdrzychowice Kłodzkie, carrying essential supplies, blankets, and shopping cards for the affected residents. Roads were impassable, bridges had collapsed, and many homes were destroyed. Despite the challenging conditions, the volunteers were determined to deliver help to those in need. 

Lukas, a Tzu Chi volunteer, described the devastation: "Most of their homes were either severely damaged or completely washed away. Many have no place to live. We brought eco-friendly blankets, water, and cleaning supplies. We are also coordinating with the local government to determine how else we can assist." 

The scene upon their arrival was heart-wrenching. Mud and debris covered the streets. Houses were left in ruins, and vehicles, swept away by the floodwaters, lay overturned. Among the affected residents was 70-year-old Stanisław, who vividly recalled the 1997 "century flood." He had only experienced 10 centimeters of flooding back then, but this time the water surged into his home, destroying everything in its path. "I was worried the branches would break the glass if I opened the window. I didn’t know what else to do," he shared. 

Another resident, Elira, recounted how the floodwaters rose above two meters, submerging her entire home. "I was standing here, and the water was up to 1.6 meters. It was almost as tall as me. The water came so fast—I couldn’t believe it. My refrigerator fell over, and all my furniture has been damaged. There’s nothing left." 

With the Polish government overwhelmed by the disaster, Tzu Chi volunteers provided immediate relief. Five volunteers went door to door to comfort families and distribute blankets, cash cards worth 600 zlotys (about USD 157), cleaning supplies, and other essential goods. They worked tirelessly, navigating through mud and debris from dawn until well into the night, bringing relief to nearly a hundred families and delivering over 200 blankets. Despite the challenges, they promised to return to help residents rebuild their lives. 

The devastation in Kłodzko was unprecedented. Approximately 80% of homes were destroyed, surpassing the damage caused by the 1997 flood. Volunteers witnessed the deep trauma that residents carried, yet their presence brought a glimmer of hope to those struggling to find a way forward. 

As recovery efforts continue, the Polish government has allocated 1.5 billion zlotys (almost USD 386 million) from EU funds to repair damaged infrastructure and support residents in rebuilding their homes. An additional 3.5 billion zlotys y (almost USD 900 million) will be allocated for long-term flood prevention measures. But amid this recovery, it’s the compassion and solidarity of volunteers that remind everyone of the strength of human connection in times of crisis.