Raciborz Reservoir: Poland's Silent Guardian Against Floods

The Raciborz Reservoir, recently acclaimed as a 'National Hero' in Poland, averted major flooding in Opole and Wroclaw when heavy rains inundated Central Europe. Built after the catastrophic 1997 flood, this reservoir holds 185 million cubic meters of water and successfully flattened a massive flood wave, protecting the cities.

The Raciborz Reservoir, lauded as Poland's 'National Hero,' has been credited with saving the cities of Opole and Wroclaw from catastrophic flooding amid heavy rains that deluged Central Europe.

Named 'King of Gold' and 'Raciborz Reservoir the Great,' the reservoir drew praise for its effective flood prevention. Some even suggested naming the floodplains after Wojciech Szczesny, Poland's famed goalkeeper. Located on the Oder River, the reservoir was a response to the 1997 'flood of the century' that wreaked havoc in the region.

Costing 2 billion zlotys (USD 520 million) and involving the resettlement of two villages, the project was funded partly by the EU and the World Bank. Built over 26 square kilometres of wildland, it holds 185 million cubic meters of water. This month, it passed a significant test by neutralizing a giant flood wave, which prevented the river from overflowing and devastating the cities. However, areas not covered by the system experienced severe flooding, highlighting the reservoir's indispensable role.

(With inputs from agencies.)