Do I live in a flood zone?
There are several interactive maps that indicate danger zones. The most significant one is hora.gv.at (HORA stands for Natural Hazard Overview and Risk Assessment); you can also refer to waldatlas.at or the maps of the federal states responsible for flood protection, such as atlas.noe.gv.at or www.hochwasser.steiermark.at.
However, these maps can be quite complicated to navigate.
What are red and yellow zones?
The relevant regulations specify: “The red danger zone includes areas that are so susceptible to torrents or avalanches that their permanent use for settlement and traffic is not feasible, or only possible with a disproportionate effort due to the likely damaging effects of the design event or the frequency of the hazard.”
Additionally, “the yellow danger zone encompasses all other areas at risk from torrents or avalanches, where the permanent use for settlement or traffic is compromised due to this danger.” Moreover, the danger zone plans also illustrate blue reserved areas (to be kept clear for protective measures), brown areas (representing other dangers, such as rockfall or landslides), and purple areas (such as necessary flood zones).
Why are so many buildings in risk zones?
No buildings are actually permitted in a red zone. However, due to some municipalities not strictly enforcing this regulation in the past, there are still (too) many buildings in endangered zones. This situation has improved since the floods in 2002, as some mayors faced lawsuits from affected parties, and today, no mayor is likely willing to take such a risk.
Changing climate: Are such zonings still accurate?
During the last flood, 150 of Geosphere Austria’s 280 weather stations recorded more than 100 millimeters of rain (equivalent to 100 liters per m²), while twelve stations registered between 300 and 400 millimeters—approximately two to five times the average rainfall for an entire September.
This situation is not solely a result of increased humidity and the amount of rain in the atmosphere, but it is also attributed to a new phenomenon where cloud systems suddenly “stall” and dump substantial amounts of rain in one location. Consequently, when such enormous amounts of rain suddenly fall, achieving absolute protection becomes nearly impossible.
Floods and the like: Is insurance available?
First and foremost, this depends on the location of the building. There are areas where obtaining any (affordable) insurance is difficult. One should not rely on funds from the disaster fund, as it covers only part of the damage (between 20 and 100 percent). There is no legal entitlement, and you are subject to the discretion of your state government.
The Austrian Insurance Association (VVÖ) has been emphasizing the urgent need for an insurance solution for natural hazards. However, this requires “prompt political action to establish the legal framework.” It is recommended that natural disaster risks be inextricably linked to fire insurance on a “voluntary basis.” This approach could “expand the solidarity community, enabling the insurance industry to offer the necessary higher levels of coverage while charging socially acceptable premiums,” states VVÖ’s director, Rémi Vrignaud.
Do I Live in a Flood Zone?
To determine if you live in a flood zone, several interactive maps provide detailed danger zone overviews. The most significant resource is hora.gv.at, which stands for Natural Hazard Overview and Risk Assessment. Additionally, you can check waldatlas.at and the specific maps of federal states responsible for flood protection, such as atlas.noe.gv.at and www.hochwasser.steiermark.at. However, it’s important to note that these maps can be quite complex to navigate.
What Are Red and Yellow Zones?
Understanding flood risk involves recognizing the different danger zones as defined by regulations:
- Red Danger Zone: Areas where torrents or avalanches pose such a high risk that permanent settlement or traffic use is significantly hindered.
- Yellow Danger Zone: Areas at lesser risk than the red zone but still face potential hazards affecting their use for settlement or traffic.
Additionally, danger zone plans include blue reserved areas meant to remain clear for protective measures, brown zones indicating other dangers like rockfalls or landslides, and purple warning areas for required flood areas.
Why Are So Many Buildings in Risk Zones?
Despite regulations prohibiting construction in red zones, many buildings still exist in these areas due to historical lax enforcement by municipalities. The aftermath of the significant floods in 2002 led to stricter regulations, especially as mayors faced lawsuits from affected residents. Nowadays, the risk of legal actions has increased the diligence of local authorities regarding construction in high-risk areas.
Changing Climate: Are Such Zonings Still Correct?
The recent climate phenomena raise critical questions about the accuracy of existing flood zone mappings. During the last significant flooding event, 150 out of Geosphere Austria’s 280 weather stations recorded rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters, with some sites reporting 300 to 400 millimeters. This volume is two to five times greater than typical September rainfall due to:
- Increased atmospheric humidity leading to heavier rainfalls.
- New cloud behavior causing intense localized downpours.
Such extreme weather events indicate that absolute protection from flooding is becoming increasingly challenging.
Floods and the Like: Can You Get Insurance?
Obtaining insurance for properties in flood zones largely depends on the building’s location. Some areas may lack affordable insurance options. Relying on disaster funds can be misleading since they only cover a portion of damages—ranging from 20% to 100%—and there is no legal obligation for financial compensation, leaving victims vulnerable to state government discretion.
Urgent Need for Insurance Solutions
The Austrian Insurance Association (VVÖ) has emphasized the critical need for comprehensive insurance options against natural disasters. This initiative calls for urgent political measures to establish a legal framework that ties natural disaster risks to fire insurance on a voluntary basis. As stated by VVÖ chairman Rémi Vrignaud:
“Expanding the solidarity community would enable the insurance industry to offer the necessary higher levels of cover while simultaneously charging socially acceptable premiums.”
Tips for Homeowners in Flood Zones
If you suspect that your property may be in a flood zone, consider the following practical tips:
- Consult local interactive hazard maps.
- Engage with local authorities to understand flood risk assessments.
- Evaluate your insurance options and understand what is covered.
- Develop an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and contacts.
- Invest in proactive measures like installing sump pumps or retaining walls.
Real-Life Case Study: Flood Recovery in Austria
In 2002, Austria experienced one of its worst flooding events. Post-flood recovery included not only rebuilding structures but also reevaluating flood plain management and building codes. Local governments implemented stricter zoning laws and initiated community awareness programs to better prepare residents for future flooding risks. Additionally, new public infrastructure projects aimed at improving drainage have been developed to mitigate flood risks.
Conclusion
With changing climate conditions and historical construction oversight, understanding if you live in a flood zone is essential. Utilizing available interactive maps, recognizing danger zones, advocating for better insurance solutions, and taking proactive steps can help mitigate risks associated with flooding in Austria and enhance community resilience.
