Poland’s cold wave continues claiming lives as authorities report 26 deaths since November, with more bodies found frozen in Warsaw apartments.
Cold Claims Lives in Poland
The Municipal Water and Sewage Company in Warsaw reported nine failures due to freezing temperatures. According to Miejski Reporter, the cause is the extreme cold. Journalists reported that this is not the only problem, as the bodies of two elderly people were found in a building at ul. Wiosny Ludów in Warsaw’s Ursus district. A frozen dog was also found with them and was taken to a shelter. Concerned neighbors made the report. The building was disconnected from utilities, resulting in negative temperatures in the apartment.
On Sunday, January 18, police reported that since the beginning of November, the number of deaths from the cold has reached 26. “Low temperatures are a deadly threat, especially for people in homelessness crisis, seniors, lonely people or intoxicated people,” the officers wrote.
Police Patrols to Prevent Deaths
Officers are actively trying to prevent deaths by patrolling streets, vacant lots, and stairwells daily. When they find people who need help, they transport them to safe places. The public can assist officers by providing information about people who may be in danger.
“Don’t be indifferent. If you see a person who may be exposed to hypothermia, call 112. One call can save someone’s life,” the police appealed.
IMGW Issues Frost and Wind Alerts
The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management issued first-degree warnings for strong frost in central and eastern Poland. “Minimum temperature at night is forecast from -16 to -13 degrees Celsius, locally around -18 degrees. Maximum temperature during the day from -8 to -5 degrees,” the synoptics wrote.
The feeling of cold is intensified by wind, which will reach speeds from 5 to 15 km/h. In the Karkonosze Mountains, wind can reach 35 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h during the day and 85 km/h at night. A first-degree warning was also issued for that area.