The report uncovers a worrying absence of reliable data on the total number of shelters, their capacity, and their condition, highlighting a significant shortfall in preparedness for civilian defense, Poland's Rzeczpospolita newspaper reported on Wednesday.
The report shed light on the broader issue of the country's preparedness for emergencies and the need for robust civil defense mechanisms. It underscored the importance of clear legislation, reliable data and community engagement in ensuring the safety and security of civilians in times of crisis, according to Rzeczpospolita.
With the government and local authorities signaling a commitment to improvement, the way forward requires concerted efforts across all levels of governance to address these critical vulnerabilities, the report said.
With findings indicating that many designated shelters are not sealed, dilapidated, and lacking essential ventilation equipment, the urgency for action is clear, officials told reporters.
The audit revealed that, despite prior designations, Warsaw's metro system cannot function as a shelter due to inadequate equipment and other design shortcomings.
Furthermore, 69 percent of the municipal offices inspected fail to meet the Civil Defense Chief's guideline of shelter spaces for 25 percent of the population.
Discrepancies in the reported numbers of protective structures by different government departments – from 56,200 in 2021 to just 10,600 in 2022, yet with a reported increase in capacity – underscores the confusion and lack of reliable information.
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski on Wednesday emphasized the critical need for community engagement and changes to construction regulations to bolster civil defense, state news agency PAP reported.
Kosiniak-Kamysz pointed out the absence of a comprehensive civil defense law and announced consultations on new legislation to better protect the population.
He stressed that national security did not consist solely of a strong military and membership of NATO, but also included robust civil defense.
In response to the challenges, Trzaskowski announced the "Warsaw Protects" program, committing PLN 117 million (about USD 29 million) to the development of shelters and emergency drills for residents.
This initiative represents a significant investment in the city's preparedness infrastructure, according to Trzaskowski.
Warsaw authorities also want newly built schools to be mandatorily equipped with additional electrical and water connections, and reinforced rooms, the PAP news agency reported.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, portalsamorzadowy.pl