Poland declared a state of emergency on Monday in southwestern regions after severe flooding left at least three dead and forced the evacuation of more than 3,000 people.

The Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, says the decision will facilitate evacuation operations and expedite financial support for victims.

Residents were transported by boat from their homes in southern Poland on Sunday, September 15, as torrential rain caused deadly flooding across parts of the country.Video released by the General Command of the Armed Forces in Poland shows residents on a boat being rescued alongside a dog.

STORY: Bursting their banks and inundating towns - more rivers across central Europe have been unable to deal with a deadly deluge of heavy rain from the worst flooding in at least two decades.And on Monday Poland's government declared a disaster in affected areas and said that it had set aside $260 million to help victims.

One person drowned and 1,600 people were evacuated in Klodzko county in southwest Poland as local rivers broke record high levels causing flooding in several municipalities after days of heavy rainfall.

Heavy rain caused flooding in central Europe over the weekend, killing at least 13 people. Poland was one of the most affected countries.

Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland, announced a natural disaster emergency on 16 September due to massive floods throughout the country. He noted that a billion zloty would be allocated from the reserve for the needs of the people affected by the floods.

A catastrophic flood has struck parts of Poland. The floodwaters have breached several dams, inundated cities in the southwestern part of the country, and claimed the lives of at least 4 people. The government has declared a state of emergency and initiated evacuations.