He referred to 800 protection projects that have been implemented since 2002, have proven successful and in many cases have prevented massive damage and great suffering. One thing is clear: “There can and will never be 100 percent protection.”
In Fahrafeld in the Triesting Valley, huge amounts of water were intercepted by new retention basins, the lower Kamp Valley held up, Hofstetten-Grünau (St. Pölten district) proved its worth, “but many smaller basins and stream widenings also helped,” says Pernkopf. In addition, there are the massive protective structures in Danube communities that were flooded several meters deep in 2002. A further billion euros will be invested by 2040.
Flood protection systems are now “built completely differently than they were years and decades ago,” explained the state vice president. He spoke of a mix of walls, mobile elements and retention areas. A third of the funds go into water retention measures. Dams are planned and built with overflow passages so that dam breaks cannot occur. In addition, the forecasting systems in the state have also been massively expanded.
Photo gallery: Massive damage after flood disaster in Lower Austria
(Photo: HELMUT FOHRINGER (APA)) Bild 1/25
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After the flood disaster in Lower Austria, State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP) assumes that the reconstruction of the destroyed regions will “not take days, weeks or months, but years”. On Thursday, she described a “national solidarity” as necessary. The clean-up work would demand everything from those involved.
The state is now offering insurance cover for volunteers in Lower Austria. People who do voluntary work outside of clubs “are automatically insured free of charge from today,” said Mikl-Leitner. The statewide insurance product, which was commissioned from the Lower Austrian Insurance Company following a tender, consists of liability, legal protection and accident insurance, the state press service informed in a press release.
The focus of operations on Thursday will continue to be in the Tullnerfeld and Pielachtal, said Pernkopf in his role as head of operations for the regional command staff. The many landslides and mudslides are critical. The safety of the slopes must be clarified in around 40 communities. “The number of geological experts has been massively increased for this purpose,” said Pernkopf.
Another 300 houses evacuated
According to the state vice president, around 300 objects were still evacuated, the peak had been almost 1,400. Ten towns and areas were still inaccessible. The number of dam breaks remained unchanged at 20. Dams also had to be secured on the Leitha. The Tulln exhibition hall was no longer needed as an alternative accommodation on Thursday.
“Huge” damage to infrastructure
State Transport Minister and Deputy Governor Udo Landbauer (FPÖ) described the damage to the road infrastructure in Lower Austria as “tremendous”. Intensive clean-up work will be followed by gradual reopening of roads. “We will open where traffic safety allows.”
The Lower Austrian road service is working with all its might to restore the road infrastructure, stressed Landbauer. The number of traffic openings is continually increasing. On Wednesday evening, for example, the closure of the B3 from Krems to Persenbeug was lifted, as was the closure of the B33 in the Melk – Aggsbach Dorf section.
“The total damage is currently difficult to estimate,” said road construction director Josef Decker. Intensive assessments are underway “to verify the exact extent of erosion, landslides and bridge damage.”
This article was last updated on September 19, 2024 at 9:41 a.m.
