Polish PM declares war on beavers for undermining flood defenses

Poland is grappling with a unique challenge as it battles severe flooding in its southern, western, and southwestern regions. Report informs via Polish media that Prime Minister Donald Tusk has pointed the finger at an unlikely culprit: beavers. These industrious rodents have been burrowing into and damaging levees designed to protect against floods, prompting the government to consider taking swift measures to address the issue.

Speaking at a crisis management meeting in Wrocław, Tusk acknowledged the difficult choice between animal welfare and public safety. "Sometimes, we must choose between our love for animals and the security of cities, villages, and the integrity of dams," he explained. The prime minister emphasized that any actions taken against the beavers would be within the bounds of the law, but stressed that safeguarding the embankments from further damage by the animals is an absolute priority for the authorities.

Poland has deployed more than 26,000 military personnel to combat the effects of prolonged heavy rainfall, which has led to the worst flooding in three decades. A state of natural disaster has been declared in 28 districts across the Silesian, Lower Silesian, and Opole Voivodeships.