Lublin revives Cold War shelter as Poland faces growing air raid alerts
A modernised shelter in Lublin can accommodate 200 people for 72 hours as Russian attacks on Ukraine heighten civil defence concerns in neighbouring Poland.
Lublin, Poland. Lublin has restored a Cold War-era air raid shelter as Russia intensifies attacks in Ukraine, with its emergency exit now facing west rather than east in a symbolic shift in perceived threats. The facility is among the shelters available during recent alerts in eastern Poland.
Air raid warnings near the border
Poland, formerly part of the Soviet bloc and now a NATO member, is on heightened alert following several incursions by Russian missiles and drones into its airspace. Residents of eastern regions have received warnings to seek shelter during Russian airstrikes on neighbouring western Ukraine.
Such alerts have become increasingly familiar near the border. Last week, a regional television station interrupted a live broadcast for about 20 minutes after journalists evacuated to a shelter during an air raid warning.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said this week that Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine was moving ever closer to Ukraine’s border with Poland.
Shelter upgraded to current standards
The modernised shelter beneath the premises of municipal bus operator MPK in Lublin was built in the mid-1980s, at the height of Cold War tensions, and has been upgraded to meet current standards.
“It provides shelter for 200 people for up to 72 hours, ensuring access to air, water and electricity independent of external power grids,” Kamil Rzad, a civil defence inspector at MPK Lublin, told Reuters.
The upgrades reflect growing efforts to strengthen civil defence preparedness during Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Residents uncertain where to seek refuge
The government estimates that Poland has around 2,000 shelters, with capacity for about 300,000 people. It also has more than 86,000 places of refuge providing a lower level of protection, including basements, underground garages and subway stations, which can accommodate around 23 million people.
Many residents nevertheless remain unsure where they would seek refuge in an attack.
“I actually doubt we even have a shelter. I’d probably run to the basement or my own bathroom,” said 77-year-old Elzbieta Woznica.
“For many years I was accustomed to peace and quiet. I couldn’t imagine something like this could happen.”
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