During a joint press conference in Wrocław, Prime Minister Donald Tusk described Jerzy Owsiak as a key figure in delivering fast, high‑quality relief to flood‑affected people. He announced that the first aid convoy would depart Warsaw soon, carrying essential supplies for those in need. Opposition lawmakers suggested that the move signaled a partial abdication of state responsibilities, arguing that the prime minister was delegating critical duties to a charitable organization while a substantial state budget remained at his disposal.
Earlier, in Lower Silesia, Tusk stressed that government resources could be mobilized through existing tools, including the Industrial Development Agency. He noted that food and water were already being delivered to cities hit by the floods, such as Kłodzko and Nysa, with plans to expand relief to other affected areas as conditions allow, while keeping a sharp eye on accountability and rapid deployment.
“This is already a huge help, but nothing can replace a sustained effort,” Owsiak explained, emphasizing that the immediate act of delivering aid matters greatly, yet the response must extend far beyond a single day or a single shipment to support reconstruction and long‑term recovery.
WOŚP releases money
Owsiak recalled that the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity had already mobilized 40 million PLN to purchase basic necessities. He noted that the most urgent needs would be identified by local government officials on the ground, ensuring the relief effort matches real local conditions rather than a generic plan.
The first transport convoy is slated to depart Warsaw, he announced, adding that preparations are under way to reach the wounded and bring aid directly to reception points across the affected region. He described a coordinated effort involving volunteers, medical teams, and regional authorities to ensure swift handling and timely distribution to those waiting for help.
Officials expect that the truck with its contents will reach a safe staging area, be unloaded, and then be delivered systematically to recipients, with logistics arranged to minimize delays and maximize the relief impact on families and care facilities in need.
The head of WOŚP also said that a collection account had been established on Monday to provide additional support if the initial PLN 40 million proves insufficient. The funds are intended to purchase medical materials and equipment damaged in the floods, with local authorities noting that the value of destroyed equipment in hospitals in Nysa, Kłodzko, and Głuchołazy exceeds 10 million PLN.
“We already have more than 4.5 million PLN in our account, and sincere thanks go to everyone who contributed so generously,” Owsiak stated, underscoring that every donation helps sustain ongoing relief work and medical assistance in flood‑affected areas.
What do flood victims need most?
The head of WOŚP outlined a practical list of essential items and foods suitable for donation to flood victims. The list included mineral water, shelf‑stable bread, ready‑to‑eat meals, baby food, hygiene products, paper towels, pet food, cleaning products, power banks, batteries, flashlights, blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows. These items address immediate comfort as well as longer‑term needs for families displaced by the disaster.
In addition, Owsiak spoke about coordinating support through trusted channels and urged donors to verify campaigns to ensure credibility. He encouraged relying on recognized pathways to maximize the impact of every contribution and to avoid scams during times of crisis.
He also stressed that if someone participates in online collections for flood victims, they should verify the campaign’s legitimacy through official, government‑backed platforms endorsed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration to safeguard donors and beneficiaries alike.
To aid donors, he suggested looking for campaigns registered with the official government platform and warned against unofficial solicitations that lack transparency or verifiable oversight.
Tusk: Jerzy Owsiak is the leading specialist in fast, good help
The prime minister reiterated that Owsiak is regarded as a leading specialist in rapid, effective assistance. He said the government would continue to coordinate sites where organized help can reach flood‑hit communities, leveraging the WOŚP network to strengthen the overall relief effort and align it with other state relief programs.
He expressed gratitude to everyone involved in aiding flood victims and urged the public to respect every credible initiative and to lend support to those in need, irrespective of political views, so long as the efforts are well‑organized and transparent.
The prime minister closed by emphasizing that relief must be a shared responsibility, grounded in compassion and accountability, as the country works to recover from the disaster while preserving trust in public institutions.
To abdicate from those in power
The press conference with Jerzy Owsiak sparked widespread responses online and in political circles. Critics from across the spectrum argued that directing aid through a charitable foundation could reflect weaknesses in governance, while others cautioned against outsourcing essential relief tasks to non‑governmental entities during a national emergency.
Some commentators suggested that actions framed as relief efforts risk becoming political theater, while others urged citizens to support well‑established charities such as Caritas or PCK to ensure accountability and sustained impact beyond a single campaign.
Several voices asserted that the state should lead relief work with clear oversight, noting that public institutions possess the resources to mobilize medical supplies, rebuild infrastructure, and provide social support without outsourcing crucial responsibilities.
Discussions about the relief operation continued across media platforms as officials and WOŚP representatives reiterated the need for unity and practical help for those most affected by the floods.
In summary, the events highlight a moment of debate about how to balance government leadership with non‑governmental resources to deliver timely assistance while maintaining public trust and ensuring that aid reaches the intended beneficiaries promptly.
End of report is a reminder that citizens, charities, and authorities must work together to restore lives and communities in the wake of natural disasters and to build resilience for future emergencies.