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FLOODS

Roads, rail and the Vienna Metro: What’s the state of Austria’s transport services?

Flooding has hit Austria hard, leaving many roadways impassable, metro services partially suspended, and river boats stranded in Vienna. Here's what you need to know on Monday.

Published: 16 September 2024 16:53 CEST
A cycle path signpost stands in the overflowed River Kamp near Altenhof, Austria
A cycle path signpost stands in the overflowed River Kamp near Altenhof, Austria on September 14, 2024, with more flooding expected amid Storm Boris. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP)

The severe flooding across Austria caused by the relentless rainfall over the weekend and on Monday has wreaked havoc on the nation’s transport systems, leaving commuters and travellers scrambling to adapt. 

The storm’s effects are being felt nationwide, from disrupted metro services in Vienna to closed motorways and suspended rail services.

Vienna metro network hit hard

The capital’s metro system, Wiener Linien, has been particularly affected, with several vital lines running with severe restrictions. Water levels on the Vienna River and Danube Canal have fluctuated, requiring constant flood protection efforts.

READ ALSO: Weather forecast: When will the torrential rain in Austria stop?

As a result, services on the U4, U6, U3, and U2 lines were partially suspended. While the U6 could only operate between Floridsdorf and Westbahnhof and between Meidling and Siebenhirten, the U4 was limited to the section between Heiligenstadt and Friedensbrücke. Similarly, the U3 was running from Ottakring to Schlachthausgasse, leaving Simmering without service, and the U2 was restricted to running between Seestadt and Taborstraße.

Wiener Linien has indicated that normal operations may not resume until mid-week, as flood protection measures like dam beams and sandbags were still in place. 

Depending on how the rain and water levels develop, additional delays or restrictions are possible. Commuters should check for updates via the WienMobil app or the operator’s website.

Nationwide rail and road chaos

Floods have also affected Austria’s national railway, ÖBB, with delays and cancellations expected to persist until at least Thursday, September 19th. 

The ÖBB issued travel warnings urging passengers to avoid non-essential journeys, and some major routes were suspended entirely.

READ ALSO: What’s the cause of Austria’s ‘unprecedented’ rainfall and flooding?

On the western rail line between Vienna and Linz, services were halted on Monday and Tuesday due to flooding, leaving WESTbahn passengers unable to travel. Although WESTbahn tickets were temporarily accepted on ÖBB trains between Vienna and Salzburg, travellers were asked to prepare for disruptions and extended journey times.

The situation on the roads isn’t much better. While some motorway closures have been lifted, others remained, particularly in Lower Austria, where almost 300 roads were currently impassable. Drivers are advised to avoid travel where possible and to check local road conditions before setting off.

You can see a list of all road closures HERE.

Boats and river cruises stranded

The flooding has as would be expected hit travel on Austria’s waterways. In Vienna, a Swiss river cruise ship, the Thurgau Prestige, remained docked, with its passengers unable to disembark due to high water levels. 

Since Saturday, 102 passengers and 40 crew members had been stranded on board. 

Authorities have not yet confirmed when it will be safe for them to leave the ship.

READ ALSO: Floods latest: Two men found dead in their homes in Lower Austria

Pedestrians also impacted

Even walking in some areas of Austria has been made dangerous by the storms. In Vienna, public parks were closed to reduce the risk of falling trees, while footpaths and public spaces were at risk of water damage or further flooding. 

Residents are being urged to stay indoors where possible.

READ NEXT: Do workers in Austria have the right to stay at home amid floods crisis?

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FLOODS

How Austria plans to prevent future catastrophic floods

Following catastrophic floods in Lower Austria, the Austrian government has announced the creation a €1 billion disaster fund to rebuild affected areas and prevent future disasters. Here's how you can access help.

Published: 18 September 2024 10:45 CEST
How Austria plans to prevent future catastrophic floods

Austria will step up its efforts to prevent future disasters in the wake of the catastrophic floods that recently ravaged parts of the country, chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) and vice-chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) said in a press conference on Wednesday morning.

Following the deadly storms that primarily affected Lower Austria, the Austrian government increased the national disaster fund to €1 billion, with an emphasis on both immediate relief and long-term flood protection, the politicians said.

The floods, described as some of the worst in recent memory, led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents. Four people lost their lives, while many communities in Lower Austria face the slow process of recovery. 

READ ALSO: What’s the cause of Austria’s ‘unprecedented’ rainfall and flooding?

Efforts were concentrated on restoring homes and businesses, repairing infrastructure, and preventing similar disasters in the future.

Emergency measures and relief for affected areas

As part of the relief package, €45 million in emergency aid was made available from the disaster fund on Tuesday to assist those hit hardest by the floods. 

Chancellor Nehammer stressed the importance of swift action, ensuring that affected individuals could access support quickly. “We are very grateful for the heroic efforts of volunteers and emergency services,” said Nehammer.

Residents who have suffered damage to their homes would benefit from the expanded housing support, which totals €40 million. 

In cases where homes are uninhabitable, additional hardship assistance will be provided, the chancellor announced. 

A man wades through a flooded street and carries items on September 17, 2024 in Moosbierbaum in Tullnerfeld, Austria, as the town is expecting a third flood wave after a new dam burst. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP)

Businesses that were damaged or forced to close will receive special interest-free loans and guarantees to aid in their recovery. Moreover, companies facing extended closures can temporarily register their employees for short-time working schemes (known as Kurzarbeit, a popular scheme during the pandemic years with subsidised salaries to avoid dismissals)  to alleviate financial strain.

READ ALSO: Do workers in Austria have the right to stay at home amid floods crisis?

How to access support

Nehammer emphasised that local authorities would be the primary point of contact for residents seeking aid from the disaster fund. “Those affected should reach out to their mayors or municipal offices to access advance payments and receive faster support,” he explained.

In addition to immediate aid, the increased disaster fund will support long-term flood protection measures. 

An initial €10 million has been earmarked for renovating flood defences and dams, and further investments are planned to strengthen Austria’s preparedness against future extreme weather events. 

According to Nehammer, a total of €1 billion will be invested in flood protection projects across the country in the coming years.

Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler highlighted that lessons have been learned from previous disasters, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts between municipalities, provinces, and the federal government. 

Kogler also called for greater attention to soil and nature conservation, which he said can help mitigate the impact of extreme weather events caused by climate change. “When there is water, there is too much. That is the nature of the climate crisis,” he said, calling for municipalities to reduce the size of areas that are concreted over.

READ NEXT: Will my Austrian home insurance cover storm damage?

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