Lądek-Zdrój, known for its spa character and picturesque landscapes, was devastated by a flood wave that passed through the town on Sunday. The flood was the result of a dam break on the Młynówka river, which led to catastrophic consequences. Residents speak of a drama that surpasses the 1997 flood. Falling water revealed the scale of the damage: broken bridges, damaged roads, a ruined market square and broken windows. The tenement house at the corner of Paderewskiego and Kościuszki Streets, situated on the Biała Lądecka River, suffered particularly badly.
The tenement house has a rich history dating back to 1882. In 1910 the building belonged to Max Preis, and in the 1920s it housed Ferdinand Koelbel’s shop and publishing house. The tenement was owned by the dentist August Hoheisel from 1924 to 1942. After the war, the tenement became the property of the city, and in later years it was managed by a housing community. In the past, various institutions operated there, including a branch of PTTK, a textile shop and a branch of Orbis.
The tenement house at the beginning of the 20th century. Source: “Uzdrowiska Ziemi Kłodzkiej na dawnej pocztówce”, Andrzej Wziątek, Bogusław Szybkowski – Wydawnictwo Kolekcjoner s.c., Opole 1999
The community has recently undertaken the renovation of the facade, which is bitten by the tooth of time. The plaster was removed at ground floor level and scaffolding was erected. All work was interrupted by a flood wave that inundated the town. The surging waters of the Biała Lądecka not only flooded the lowest parts of the building, but also caused one of the walls to collapse. Residents were evacuated, leaving behind all their belongings, which can be seen through the resulting breach.
Lądek-Zdrój, tenement before and after the flood. Photo: Google Maps and Tomasz Kalinowski
As one of the residents informed us, at this moment the services are not allowing anyone to enter the damaged building. According to information received last night from the fire brigade and the army, the building is in danger of collapsing and will be protected from further damage. Rushing water has caused cracks in the ceilings several metres deep in the building. Perhaps in a few days it will be possible to enter the flats and take the most necessary things.
The situation for the inhabitants of Lądek-Zdrój is tragic. In many places there is no access to drinking water and roads are impassable. Local shops and service outlets are closed while residents try to salvage what the flood has not destroyed. Infrastructural losses will go into the billions, but those of ordinary citizens will be no less. A fundraiser for flood victims has been launched on zrzutka.pl – click HERE.
Source: kudowa-zdroj.kresy.org.pl, tokfm.pl
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