Poland says flooding has killed 9 people

 
Firefighters deliver food to residents in Cisek, in southern Poland, on Thursday, May 20, 2010. Massive flooding that has killed seven people in the south of Poland started to recede Thursday but Warsaw braced for trouble as the swollen Vistula River pushed that way and fresh rain fell. Heavy rains have flooded homes and fields in parts of southern Poland since last weekend. Emergency workers have rescued people and pets


from roofs and balconies
.

A bird sitting on a sign prohibiting swimming on a river bank across Warsaw's Old Town , Poland, Thursday, May 20, 2010. The meteorological institute expects dangerously high water levels on Vistula River late Thursday, following days of heavy rain that have brought devastation to southern Poland.


Authorities say flooding in Poland has killed nine people this week. Residents and officials in Warsaw are working to strengthen the capital's flood defenses.

National police spokesman Mariusz Sokolowski said Friday the victims drowned in flooding that submerged some farms and residential areas in southern Poland following heavy rains.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the high water levels were receding slowly. Further north, in Warsaw, water levels on the Vistula river were expected to peak Friday.

Residents of the capital were working with thousands of firefighters and police officers to strengthen dikes on the river with sandbags to protect areas that could be at risk — including the zoo.