WARSAW, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Some 30,000 hectares of forest have been completely destroyed after strong wind and thunderstorms that hit Poland on the night of Aug. 11, State Forests informed on Monday.
According to Anna Malinowska, spokesperson of State Forests, quoted by Polish Press Agency, 30,000 hectares of forests are to be completely restored.
Total loss, however, might be even higher, as reports from many places in Poland are still coming. The loss not only concerns trees, but also animals and precious species of plants, according to the spokesperson.
Malinowska said never before had strong wind caused such serious damages to Polish forests. Some experts estimate, it might take up to two years to set in order the forests, many of which are closed to tourists, as broken branches and tree trunks are still a threat to life.
On the night of Aug. 11, severe thunderstorms hit many regions in Poland, especially Pomerania, Greater Poland and Kuyavia regions.
Violent winds caused serious damage and left 6 people dead, including two teenage girl scouts, age 13 and 14, who were crushed by falling trees.
On Monday, Polish Ministry of Interior and Administration said that 6,000 families affected by the storms will altogether obtain 31 million zloty (around 8.5 million U.S. dollars) of aid.
