Scientists have created a list of 22 Polish rivers with the highest flood potential.

A team of researchers from the Water Management Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences has compiled a list of rivers in Poland with the highest flood risk, based on hydrological data going back to 1950. At the top of the ranking is the Strwiąż River in Krościenko near Ustrzyki Dolne.

Also included in the list are rivers such as the Biała (Grybów), Soła (Żywiec) and Dunajec (Nowy Sącz). In compiling the list, the researchers analyzed water flow maxima and catchment area, which made it possible to accurately determine the flood potential for different areas of Poland. Smaller catchments, which have a higher flood risk index, are particularly dangerous.

To determine the flood risk index, the researchers considered two key factors: catchment area and maximum water flow (known as WWQ – the highest water level). The data collected clearly shows that the highest risk of flooding is in small catchments, such as Krościenko, whose catchment area is 194 km².

The research underscores the importance of climate change, which increases the intensity of precipitation and contributes to more frequent flooding. Experts point out the need to modernize hydrotechnical structures, especially in regions with the highest risk, such as the area around Kłodzko. The new data can also help plan restoration efforts where possible.

A list of 22 rivers with the highest flood potential in Poland, compiled by scientists from the Water Management Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences:

1. Strwiąż (Krościenko)
2. Biała (Grybów)
3. Soła (Żywiec)
4. Dunajec (Nowy Sącz)
5. Biała Lądecka (Żelazno)
6. Kamienica (Łabowa)
7. Witka (Ostróżno)
8. Wisła (Skoczów)
9. Nysa Kłodzka (Kłodzko)
10. Sękówka (Gorlice)
11. Biała Lądecka (Lądek Zdrój)
12. Brennica (Górki Wielkie)
13. Skawa (Wadowice)
14. Dunajec (Czchów)
15. Skawa (Sucha Beskidzka)
16. Solinka (Terka)
17. Kamienna (Jakuszyce)
18. Raba (Proszówki)
19. Wielki Rogoźnik (Ludźmierz)
20. Dunajec (Żabno)
21. Dunajec (Nowy Targ-Kowaniec)
22. Wapienica (Podkępie)

These rivers, especially small mountain catchments, have the highest flood risk in the country.