Lower Austria to lift partial disaster area status after floods

The disaster area status across Lower Austria, imposed due to devastating floods, will be partially lifted on Thursday evening, affecting seven districts and three statutory towns. 

The decision, effective from 7:00 p.m., applies to the districts of Amstetten, Hollabrunn, Lilienfeld, Mistelbach, Scheibbs, Wiener Neustadt-Land, and Waidhofen a. d. Thaya, along with Krems, Waidhofen a. d. Ybbs, and Wiener Neustadt, according to Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.

Although progress has been made, landslides and mudslides remain a concern, particularly in 40 municipalities. Around 275 properties are still evacuated, and ten towns are inaccessible, with ongoing issues in drinking water and wastewater systems in several communities. The clean-up effort involves 3,500 firefighters, 20 provisional dam repairs, and over 1,100 soldiers.

Vienna’s sewers pushed to the brink by 22 billion litres of stormwater

A staggering 22 billion litres of water flowed through Vienna’s sewers during the recent storms, pushing the system to its limits. In some areas, the water level in the sewers rose just below street level, but the network managed to cope, thanks to advanced control systems that maximised the use of storage tanks.

At times, water under key areas like Karlsplatz reached the ceiling of the sewage junctions. Once the rain eased, reservoirs were drained to free up space, though it took hours to stabilise the situation.

Meanwhile, the Wien River saw water levels rise up to four metres. Clean-up efforts, which include removing flotsam and repairing damaged railings, are expected to last two to three weeks, with footpaths and cycle routes remaining closed.

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EU announces €10 billion in flood relief, Austria to receive €500 million

The European Union has announced €10 billion in aid for countries affected by recent storm disasters. Austria will be eligible to draw €500 million from the fund, as confirmed by Chancellor Karl Nehammer during a flood summit in Wrocław, Poland. No counter-financing will be required. With an additional €1 billion from Austria’s disaster fund, a total of €1.5 billion is now available for flood relief efforts in Austria.

The summit was attended by leaders from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland, countries also heavily impacted by the recent floods. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the importance of European solidarity in rebuilding vital infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and sewage systems.

Chancellor Nehammer highlighted the need for quicker, less bureaucratic aid from the EU’s disaster relief programs, pointing to Austria’s efficient response following the 2002 floods. First payments from Austria’s disaster fund have already begun for Lower Austria, one of the worst-hit areas.

Centre-right ÖVP backtracks on support for equal treatment law amendment

On Wednesday, the National Council passed an amendment to the Federal Equal Treatment Act as part of broader employment law changes. 

The update addresses discrimination beyond gender, including protections for non-binary individuals. The centre-left SPÖ, Greens, and centre-right ÖVP supported the amendment. 

However, the ÖVP backtracked, stating they “firmly reject the amendment” and that the original gender definition was sufficient. ÖVP constitutional spokesperson Wolfgang Gerstl said the inclusion of this provision was an oversight.

The ÖVP plans to rectify the issue in the next session, with the right-wing FPÖ likely to join in opposition. 

Avalanche danger in Tyrol remains high this weekend

Patrick Nairz, head of the Tyrol Avalanche Warning Service, warns that the risk of snow avalanches in Tyrol remains significant this weekend. 

He advises caution and defensive behaviour for those on the mountain. While many snow slides have already occurred following recent precipitation, Nairz still urges vigilance. He anticipates the situation will improve next week as snow continues to melt.

With up to one metre of fresh snow in the high mountains, Safety Councillor Astrid Mair stresses the importance of careful planning for hikes and ski tours to ensure safety during the fine autumn weather.

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