Poland Drafts Emergency Evacuation Plans for Military Threats

The Polish Ministry of Interior is drafting comprehensive evacuation protocols to safeguard civilians and national cultural assets in the event of natural disasters or military threats.

According to an official government communiqué cited by Associated Press, the project is expected to be finalized within three months. The initiative stems from the Civilian Protection Act, which came into force on January 1, and reflects the challenges posed by recent flooding in southern Poland and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The legislation, pending approval by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s cabinet, mandates allocating no less than 0.3% of Poland’s annual gross national product to enhance evacuation readiness.

The proposed regulations will delineate responsibilities and establish coordination mechanisms among various civil security agencies tasked with relocating civilians to safe locations. Additionally, the guidelines will provide recommendations for the secure evacuation and preservation of cultural artifacts.

Earlier, Germany announced plans to compile a comprehensive list of emergency shelters, including bunkers, underground stations, and private spaces, amid growing concerns over potential threats from Russia. The initiative, led by the Interior Ministry, will include a digital directory for citizens and encourage converting basements and garages into protective spaces.