Intense storms wreaked havoc across Podkarpacie on April 18, 2025, leading to nearly 200 interventions by firefighters. The majority of these calls were related to pumping water from flooded cellars, residential buildings, and properties, as well as clearing road culverts. In many instances, firefighters also had to remove fallen trees and broken branches that blocked roads and sidewalks. The most significant number of interventions occurred in the Przemyski and Jarosławski districts, where the storms caused extensive damage, including flooding, infrastructure damage, and traffic disruptions.
Fortunately, despite the severity of the storms, there were no reported injuries. Emergency services operated efficiently, preventing more severe consequences. One of the hardest-hit areas was Pawłosiów in the Jarosławski district, where heavy rainfall combined with hail led to road contamination, property flooding, and partial flooding of buildings. Firefighters, supported by soldiers from the Territorial Defense Forces and police officers, worked throughout the night to mitigate the disaster's effects. Over 200 firefighters were on-site, led by Senior Brigadier Adam Wiśniewski, the deputy commander of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship State Fire Service. Cadets from the School of Aspirants of the State Fire Service in Krakow also provided valuable assistance in removing mud, sludge, and standing water from private properties and agricultural buildings.
According to Brigadier Marcin Betleja, spokesman for the Podkarpackie Voivodeship State Fire Service, the situation was brought under control by the morning of April 19. Only a few isolated reports continued to come in, and they were being handled promptly. Firefighters remained on standby to assist wherever needed.
On Good Friday, many residents faced an unexpected disaster, with water, mud, and significant losses creating a sense of uncertainty about the future. "These will be the worst holidays," lamented one resident on social media, sharing dramatic footage of the devastation in their community. Jacek Dobrzyński, the press spokesman for the Ministry of Interior and Administration, reported that by Friday evening, firefighters across the country had recorded 662 reports related to the storms. The Lublin Voivodeship saw the highest number of incidents, with 378 reports, primarily in Puławy and Kraśnik. In Podkarpacie, particularly around Przemyśl, there were around 200 interventions.
Approximately 1,700 households lost power due to the storms, including 1,300 in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. In Pawłosiów, the deluge lasted only about 30 minutes but flooded over 150 homes and properties. Governor Teresa Kubas-Hul noted that around 100 buildings were inundated, but firefighters successfully pumped water out from all affected properties. "We will not leave people without help. We will work throughout the holidays," she assured in an interview.
The Municipal Crisis Management Center in Jarosław warned residents of houses along the Miłka stream to prepare for potential evacuation due to the unfavorable hydrological situation. Governor Kubas-Hul reported that over 100 homes were affected in the Pawłosiów commune due to the severe rainfalls. Soldiers from the 20th Podkarpacka Brigade of the Territorial Defense were deployed to assist in removing the effects of the flooding. Pumps, lighting masts, and other equipment were brought in to help remove water and mud and secure properties.
As of late Friday night, over 100 firefighters from both the State Fire Service and volunteer fire brigades were actively working to clear the aftermath of the storm in Pawłosiów. The situation was continuously monitored by local officials, and additional assistance was provided by cadets from the School of Aspirants in Krakow.
By Saturday morning, the situation was reported to be under control. Brigadier Betleja stated, "The situation is stable. We are continuing to assist residents and clear the aftermath of the storm." However, the cleanup efforts were expected to continue for several hours, with many residents facing the daunting task of recovery instead of celebrating the Easter holiday.
In the aftermath of the storm, the local authorities have assured residents that they will receive the necessary support. "We will activate help as soon as possible so that people can receive initial assistance immediately," Governor Kubas-Hul promised. Despite the widespread damage, no fatalities were reported as a result of the storms. The community is now focused on recovery, with residents cleaning up mud and assessing the damage to their properties.
As the storm recovery continues, local officials remain vigilant, monitoring weather forecasts and preparing for any potential further challenges. The situation in Pawłosiów serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of communities coming together in times of crisis.
