Local flood hazard reduction plans in Poland - Problems and perspectives

This article presents the current state of affairs and perspectives for development of flood warning systems, concentrating on the problems of local communities. Weaknesses in the organization of flood protection are presented, based on analysis of the impact of the catastrophic flood in Poland in July 1997. Directions are proposed for action to improve the effectiveness of local flood warning systems. The problems described are illustrated with examples of actions taken by municipalities - both those taken during the flood in 1997, and attempts presently being undertaken to improve local warning systems and flood response. Though both the problems identified and the proposed solutions concern the situation in Poland, a portion of these reflections has universal character.