By Hui-Ru Chen, Hsiu-Lien Chu 

When Cyclone Boris brought record-breaking rainfall to Poland in September 2024, entire communities were engulfed by floodwaters. For residents like Marek in Głuchołazy, the disaster disrupted daily life, leaving behind destruction but also sparking stories of resilience, solidarity, and hope. Guided by Master Cheng Yen's teachings, Tzu Chi volunteers stepped in to provide immediate relief and comfort, collaborating with local officials and residents to support recovery efforts. 

Unprecedented Flooding and Immediate Response 

Cyclone Boris caused severe flooding across Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Poland’s southwestern provinces—Silesia, Opole, and Lower Silesia—were particularly hard hit. Bridges and roads were washed away, leaving some towns isolated. Głuchołazy experienced flooding on a scale unseen since 1997, with over 8,000 people affected, 600 to 700 homes submerged, and one-third of the city’s population struggling to recover. 

Local relief efforts mobilized quickly. Supplies and drinking water managed by the military were sent to disaster zones, and the government provided emergency assistance grants and housing repair subsidies. Amid these efforts, Tzu Chi volunteers in Poland, led by Radoslaw Atlas and Huiru Chen, contacted Tzu Chi headquarters in Taiwan. Experienced German Tzu Chi volunteers joined the Polish team to coordinate disaster assessments and bring comfort to affected communities. 

On-Site Assessment and Collaboration 

On October 3, German volunteers Shu-Wei Chen and Shu-Nv Chen joined Polish volunteers Radoslaw Atlas, Huiru Chen, and Warsaw volunteer Lily Lin in Głuchołazy. They met with Deputy Mayor Roman Sambor, who described the scale of devastation. “This is the worst flooding we’ve seen in decades,” Sambor reported, highlighting how over one-third of the city’s 22,000 residents were severely impacted. Sambor expressed deep appreciation for Tzu Chi’s past support for Ukrainian refugees and welcomed their assistance during this crisis. 

 

The river in Głuchołazy, clogged with debris, highlights the devastation caused by Cyclone Boris. | Photo by Megi Magdalena Sobczak | Poland 

Accompanied by social and tourism directors, the volunteers visited flood-stricken areas, observing damaged roads, destroyed bridges, and submerged homes. These firsthand observations emphasized the need for immediate infrastructure repairs to reconnect communities and restore essential services. Volunteers distributed Tzu Chi’s signature peace amulets, which brought emotional comfort to residents like Marek, a disaster victim who was moved to tears upon receiving the token. “It reminded me that others care about us,” he shared. 

At a temporary shelter housing displaced residents and rescue personnel, volunteers expressed their gratitude to firefighters and military members for their tireless efforts. They shared moments of warmth with elderly residents, offering peace amulets as small but meaningful tokens of support. 

German Tzu Chi volunteer Shu-Wei Chen gives a peace amulet to an elderly woman, who happily interacts with the volunteers and shares warmth in return. | Photo by Megi Magdalena Sobczak | Poland 

Relentless Devastation in Lewin Brzeski 

On October 4, Tzu Chi volunteers expanded their efforts to Lewin Brzeski, where 90% of the city was submerged. Joined by volunteers Anastasiia Kulyk and Serhii Yerzov from Lublin, they assessed the damage with Opole Mayor Arkadiusz Wiśniewski and Deputy Mayor Maciek Wujec. The volunteers visited local schools, some of which had basements flooded to depths of 170 centimeters. These facilities needed urgent repairs before winter to ensure that students could return to their studies. 

Volunteers, accompanied by Opole Mayor Arkadiusz Wiśniewski (third from left), assess the damage in Lewin Brzeski and pose with Mayor Artur Kottara and Deputy Mayor Darek Struski. | Photo by Megi Magdalena Sobczak | Poland 

Seventh-grader Marty exemplified the resilience of Lewin Brzeski’s residents. With his school closed, Marty helped organize relief supplies at a local center. “I miss school, but right now, I want to help my community,” he said. Volunteers, moved by his determination, gifted him a peace amulet as a token of encouragement. 

LEFT: The school basement was severely flooded, with water levels reaching up to 170 centimeters. RIGHT: Seventh grader Marty (center) helps organize relief supplies, embodying the resilience of Poland’s youth. | Photos by Megi Magdalena Sobczak | Poland 

Collaboration Fuels Recovery 

Throughout the recovery process, Tzu Chi worked closely with local leaders to provide both practical aid and emotional support. During a pre-assessment meeting, Opole Mayor Arkadiusz Wiśniewski proposed planting a “Tzu Chi tree” to commemorate the foundation’s humanitarian contributions and the unity shown during the crisis. “Your support is not only practical but also deeply inspiring to our community,” Deputy Mayor Sambor remarked. 

Volunteers continued to assess the region’s recovery needs, highlighting the importance of infrastructure repairs and winter-proofing schools. Their actions demonstrated the profound impact of global collaboration in addressing local crises. 

On October 4, the international disaster assessment team held a pre-assessment meeting with Opole Mayor Arkadiusz Wiśniewski and Deputy Mayor Maciek Wujec. (From left to right: Shu-Wei Chen, Hui-Ru Chen, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Radoslaw Atlas) | Photo by Megi Magdalena Sobczak | Poland | 2024/10/4

A Brighter Future on the Horizon 

As Poland rebuilds after Cyclone Boris, stories of resilience and compassion shine through. From Marek’s gratitude for a simple peace amulet to young Marty’s determination to support his neighbors, these moments underscore the strength of communities in overcoming hardship. Tzu Chi’s efforts, guided by the principles of Great Love, served not only to rebuild homes but also to restore hope. Together, they are paving the way for a brighter future.