In 2024, a total of 107,759 operations were recorded. Over 27,000 of these were related to the flood disaster. Weather extremes, including hailstorms and heavy rain, generally provided the helpers with eventful months from June onwards. Due to investments made and the security system, which is also in demand internationally, they feel prepared for future challenges.

"Challenged Like Never Before"

From the perspective of Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP), the members of the volunteer fire brigades in the state were "challenged like never before" last year. A total of 7.68 million working hours were performed. Especially during the flood disaster, it was demonstrated "what the fire brigade, what the security family can actually do," the state leader summarized at a press conference in St. Pölten on Tuesday.

ÖVP Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf expressed similar sentiments. The fire brigade guarantees "maximum security," and during the flood, a "real major operation" was carried out. 330 million euros in aid payments for 18,600 families and businesses have been processed by the state so far.

Emergency Forces from the Rest of Austria

State Fire Brigade Commander Dietmar Fahrafellner recalled that during the flood, emergency forces from all federal states were deployed to Lower Austria. Such a constellation is unique. The security system operated in Lower Austria, along with the contribution of countless volunteer hours, worked "extremely well," and there are ongoing international inquiries about it - "from Helsinki to Zurich." To be prepared for the future, further investments have been made together with the state, including in mobile flood protection and large pumps. Additionally, the container terminal at the Tulln site is being expanded.

Last year, Lower Austria "had to record a natural disaster almost every month from June onwards": "That has never happened before," Fahrafellner reflected. In the mentioned June, there were more than 1,100 storm operations, with the main affected area being the district of St. Pölten. In July, a hailstorm caused damage to 210 roofs in the district of Waidhofen a. d. Thaya, and in August, heavy rain in the Hollabrunn area challenged the emergency forces. There were increases in deployments in various segments. Technical operations also rose due to the flood, from 44,868 in 2023 to 77,532, and the number of rescues increased by 17.68 percent to 4,625.

(APA/Red)

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