From hour to hour flood situation in Austria it's getting harder and harder. Experts predict that heavy rain and snow will last at least until Monday or Tuesday.
In some places during the day Up to 200 mm of rainfall is expected to fall.
Austria battles flooding. State becomes disaster zone
The worst situation is currently in Lower Austriawhere the services assess it as “critical”. For this reason, on Sunday morning the entire federal state was declared a natural disaster area. Due to the deteriorating conditions, the Lower Austrian fire department requested assistance in the rescue operation from fire brigades from other federal states.
The first victim of a natural disaster, a firefighter, who was helping to protect the area from flooding, died in Lower Austria. The regional authorities are refusing to provide any details on the matter.
After the morning floods and few evacuations the situation is improving in ViennaOn Sunday afternoon, the authorities of the Austrian capital announced that the water level in the Danube is decreasingbut the situation remains dynamic. Some Vienna metro lines have also been suspended until next week.
Weather. Floods and snowstorms in Austria
The situation on the railway is similar. On Sunday evening Train traffic on the Amstetten-St. Valentin route was suspended. It is not yet known how long this line will be closed. OeBB (national carrier) recommends postponing train travel until the weather situation stabilizes.
Extreme conditions and unexpected snowfall have led to the closure of many roads. In Lower Austria alone, around 45 federal and local roads are affected.
Austrian central and local authorities have made a number of decisions related to the threat of the element. Students and teachers directly affected by floods and storms will be automatically excused from classes on Monday September 16. In turn, the Austrian Chamber of Labor assures that employees do not have to fear consequences under labor law if they are late for work or do not show up at all due to the storm. At the same time, decisions were made to cancel many events – especially outdoor ones.
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