Flood recovery in Lower Austria: Metro resumes, avalanche warnings in Alps

Damage assessment has begun in the Lower Austria region following the recent flood. Metro services have resumed in Vienna. Avalanche warnings are in effect in the Alps.

Johanna Mikl-Leitner, the governor of Lower Austria, announced on Tuesday evening that although the flood situation in the region has started to improve, it remains serious. Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf emphasized that intensive rescue and cleanup operations are ongoing in many areas.

There are continuous works to secure the area, rescue people, and pump water non-stop, stressed Pernkopf. Cleanup efforts are being conducted collaboratively wherever possible. Compensation from the natural disaster fund is scheduled to start on Wednesday.

So far, 33,600 rescuers, including 800 soldiers, have participated in rescue operations in Lower Austria. Around 2,400 people have been evacuated from 2,000 properties. In 76 cases, helicopters had to be used. Still, 24 towns are cut off from the world. The main efforts are concentrated in the Tullnerfeld and Pielachtal regions.

On Tuesday evening, the authorities of Lower Austria decided to allocate €75 million in emergency aid. The governor of Lower Austria emphasized that they will not let people down. The authorities promise grants of up to 20 percent of the recognized value of the damages. In exceptional cases, the assistance may reach up to 50 percent.

Vienna officials are working to restore the city to normal functioning. Metro services, which were previously suspended, resumed on Wednesday. The situation at the U2 line construction site at Pilgramgasse was challenging. On Sunday, the Danube breached the flood barrier next to the construction site. The water reached 33 feet, but it had already been pumped out.

Due to heavy snowfall, an avalanche warning is still in effect in the Alps. In Huettschlag, Salzburg, an avalanche swept away six people, three of whom were buried in the snow. According to the emergency medical services in Salzburg, all six people were rescued, but one sustained severe injuries. The rescue services in Salzburg are appealing for caution, noting that the strong wind has blown away part of the fresh snow, further increasing the avalanche danger.