Lessons from the Flood Disaster: Lower Austria Launches Billion-Dollar Program

More than nine months after the flood in Lower Austria, a review of the lessons learned from the powerful natural event was conducted on Tuesday in St. Pölten. Based on an expert report, an investment of one billion euros in flood protection by 2040 was announced. The measurement network and the forecasting system are also to be further expanded. The total damage from the events of last September was initially estimated at 1.07 billion euros.

Lower Austria plans to implement numerous measures after the 2024 flood

Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP) reflected on the "darkest hours in the recent history of our country" during a press conference at the state house. Five people lost their lives, and 131,000 emergency personnel were deployed. After the flood, a working group led by university professor Friedrich Zibuschka was tasked with analyzing the events. The corresponding expert report is now available and, according to Mikl-Leitner, serves as a "guide for action" for future procedures. The implementation is to be carried out "step by step."

The expert report provides for further expansion of flood protection, more space for rivers - keyword retention areas - as well as further adjustments in spatial and building regulations. For example, hillside water should be taken into account, Zibuschka announced.

Expert report includes numerous points

Furthermore, there should be an improvement in critical communication infrastructure and an increase in fail-safety. Measures against hillside water are also included in the report, along with the acquisition of special equipment for securing and pumping activities. Waterway maintenance and upkeep are to be expanded. According to the concept, there will be strengthening and professionalization for the water associations, and assessment approaches for flood protection facilities and protection levels for critical infrastructure will be evaluated. In terms of drinking water, an increase in supply security is another recommendation.

For special disaster protection plans in municipalities, an expansion is planned, but there is also a desire to promote more personal responsibility and risk awareness among the population. A focus is also on expanding measurement network forecasting systems. According to Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf (ÖVP), 60 forecast gauges are currently available, with 30 more to be put online.

Pernkopf also provided insight into the processing of damage payments. 359 million euros in aid funds were paid out, and 23,000 corresponding applications were processed. Regarding the total damage amount of 1.07 billion, 90 percent or 817 million were recorded for private individuals. In addition, there were businesses (eight percent) and agriculture (two percent). With 335 million euros, the district of St. Pölten recorded the highest damage value. This was followed by the districts of Tulln (220 million) and Melk (90 million).

23.7 Million Euros in Advance Payment for Municipalities Approved

The storm-induced flooding of September 2024 also left significant marks on the infrastructure of many Lower Austrian municipalities. Nearly 100 million euros in damages were reported. There are 1,191 cases in 349 municipalities, for which an advance payment of 23.7 million euros was approved by the state government on Tuesday, the state press service announced. In total, 50 percent will be reimbursed from the disaster fund.

The provided 23,714,790 euros correspond to 25 percent of the damage amount reported so far, explained Finance State Councilor Ludwig Schleritzko (ÖVP). After the invoices are submitted, the second part will also be paid out.

Meanwhile, State Fire Brigade Commander Dietmar Fahrafellner described the network of emergency forces as "very well positioned" in retrospect. The "overall package" of the fire brigade in Austria - based on voluntariness - is a "special system," with a striking power "unique worldwide."

SPÖ Wants Support for Private Precaution

Among the lessons from the flood disaster, private precaution and security in one's own living area must also be included, responded SPÖ club chairman Hannes Weninger. In a statement, he called for funding of up to 50 percent of the investment costs for water barriers at the property boundary, backflow flaps from the sewer network, and waterproof closures for doors, windows, and basement entrances. A corresponding application will be discussed in the state parliament session on Thursday, according to Weninger.

(APA/Red)

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