A major power plant failure has left seven districts in Gdańsk and Sopot without heating during extreme cold weather.
Heating Outages in Gdańsk and Sopot
Seven districts of Gdańsk (Żabianka, Oliwa, Strzyża, Stogi, Śródmieście, Orunia Dolna and Górna) and Sopot have been left without heating due to a power plant failure. A crisis management team has been established in Gdańsk.
The removal of the failure is planned for Wednesday (February 4), but disruptions may continue until Thursday (February 5).
Government Warning About Extreme Cold
Government spokesman Adam Szłapka warned on Tuesday during an interview with TOK FM that “such frost is dangerous to health.” He urged people to maintain special vigilance and not to walk without proper protection if not necessary.
“Nobody will be left without help,” Szłapka emphasized, noting that all matters related to the weather situation are being monitored by services, and support will be provided where necessary to local authorities.
Record Low Temperatures Across Poland
The coldest temperatures are in the north and northeast of the country. After 18:00 in Kwidzyn in Pomerania, it was -22 degrees Celsius, with the perceived temperature even lower. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued a second-level warning for eastern and northeastern Poland, where temperatures may drop to -28 degrees.
Support for Vulnerable Populations
Services are appealing to pay attention to people in need and those experiencing homelessness. Additional shelters, including firefighter tents, have been opened in some cities. Train stations that are open 24 hours also provide warmth during the cold. Since the beginning of winter in Poland, approximately 100 people have died from hypothermia or frostbite.