People’s plans are sometimes changeable. Initially it was to be in Rysy as part of the Crown of the Mountains of Poland with the Missionaries of the Blood of Christ. The last few days have set a more difficult route to Kłodzko Region.
19 September to Trzebieszowice in the Kłodzko Region. They took gifts there, which the Częstochowa people generously gave until late into the night on 18 September.
The situation in Trzebieszowice, as well as other small towns from Lądek-Zdrój, Radochów to Trzebieszowice, Ołdrzychowice Kłodzkie and Żelazno, is dire. The Biała Lądecka river has flooded. The water level was 1.5 m higher than during the flood in 1997.
To make matters worse, the wave was very rushing, destroying everything in its path. It was also caused by damage to the dam in Stronie Śląskie.
The water carried destruction, bridges were broken, roadways damaged. And the houses had a layer of several centimeters of smelly mud silt from the river.
Anything that came into contact with the water had to be thrown into the houses, and ended up tearing up the entire dance floor. The view that stretches from Zelazno to Stronie Śląskie is heartbreaking. For 30 km one image – piles of wet furniture, fridges, cookers, electronics thrown out of houses. Smashed-up houses, cars ‘parked’ on fallen trees’. We encountered great suffering, but also the kindness of the people we helped.
‘It hurts to see the suffering of those who have not infrequently lost almost all of their life’s possessions, and at the same time it is awe-inspiring to see their humility and hospitality even though we were the ones who wanted to help.’ – recalls Fr Damian Siwicki CPPS
The concrete physical help in clearing the houses proved to be a valuable gift. As most of these people were elderly and could no longer cope physically. We helped in Trzebieszowice and Ołdrzychowice Kłodzkie.
Still small towns like Trzebieszowice, Ołdrzychowice Kłodzkie, and Radochów need and will need help. From basic tools, to dehumidifiers, heaters, sludge pumps, small household appliances, building materials, and heavy excavator equipment to restore the landscape.
People need normality so that the view from their windows does not bring them back to tragedy.
Specific enquiries on how to help can be directed to the Świetlica Wiejska (Village Hall) in Trzebieszowice 107A in Poland
Our Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood has an outpost in the parish of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the foot of Śnieżnik in Międzygórze. Thanks to the grace of God and the great generosity of the inhabitants in laying sacks, there was no major damage as in the above villages.