Authorities have said that three people were killed and hundreds were evacuated in southern Poland after torrential rain led to flooding along the Vistula River.

Poland. pl has reported that Krakow Mayor Jacek Majchrowski declared a state of emergency Sunday night as the river rose almost 30 inches above emergency levels.

The Web site also said that further upstream from the city, levels reached almost 50 inches above flood stage.

Officials further said that one of those killed was a fireman who suffered a heart attack during a mission to rescue another man who was reported missing after jumping into the river in an attempt to save his son.

According to Poland. pl, the heavy rain in the region is forecast to last through Friday. More than 8,000 troops are on standby with specialist equipment to aid in rescue efforts. (With inputs from Agencies)