In recent days, Lower Austria has been hit by one of the worst floods in recent years. Streets were flooded, houses were under water, and many people had to be evacuated from the affected areas.
In these difficult times, the strength of the Austrian community is evident, not least through the deployment of over 1.100 soldiers from the Austrian Federal Army. Supported by 140 pioneers from Salzburg and another 100 militia soldiers from Styria, who are now moving in, the military is working hard to repair the damage and prevent further disasters. In a statement, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasized the importance of solidarity and the tireless help of the soldiers and volunteers who are facing the enormous challenges.
Areas of operation: Tullnerfeld, Pielachtal and Waldviertel
The regions of Tullnerfeld, Pielachtal and Waldviertel are particularly badly affected. The Austrian army's cleanup and rescue work is concentrated here. The soldiers are entrusted with a wide range of tasks, including evacuating people from endangered areas, securing dams and removing rubble and mud.
So far, three lives have been saved, including a dog that got lost in the water. Over 50 people have been rescued from difficult-to-access areas using winch rescue, while countless others have been brought to safety using boats.
Sandbags and dams: logistics at the highest level
A key element in the fight against the floods was the use of so-called "big bags" - large sandbags that were used to stabilize the dams. The soldiers have so far transported 670 of these big bags, which have a total weight of over 1.000 tons, by helicopter.
A dam in St. Pölten was reinforced with 120 big bags, while 250 big bags were used in the Atzenbrugg-Rust area. In Hadersdorf, a further 300 sandbags secured a threatened dam. Coordination between air transport and soldiers working on the ground is crucial to ensure a quick and effective approach. In addition to the sandbags, armored hedgehogs - heavy steel structures designed to hold back the water - were also used to secure particularly critical sections of the dam.
Logistics and technical know-how: A strength of the Federal Army
In addition to direct disaster relief, logistical support also plays a major role. Disaster relief equipment was flown from Linz and Innsbruck to the affected areas using C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. This equipment includes not only materials for reinforcing dams, but also equipment used in cleanup and rescue work. The use of special equipment that only the Federal Army can provide is particularly important. This includes excavators, engineering machines and helicopters that can be used flexibly in difficult terrain conditions.
The Austrian Army's engineers are playing a central role in the clean-up work. In Kirchberg an der Pielach, for example, blockages were cleared, i.e. blocked watercourses were freed of obstacles such as trees and rubble. In Frankenfels, a platoon from the 3rd Engineer Battalion is securing a vulnerable slope by building a Krainer wall - a special wooden structure designed to prevent earth masses from slipping. The soldiers are also deployed in Sieghartskirchen, where they are clearing blockages to reduce the risk of further flooding.
Flood prevention and disaster protection: An ongoing task
The deployment of the Federal Army is indispensable in crises such as this. The well-trained soldiers and the technical resources available to the Army enable it to provide quick and effective assistance. The Federal Army is not only focused on eliminating acute damage, but also on preventing further disasters. The Army's NBC defense forces regularly check the sludge and water for contamination to ensure that no long-term environmental or health risks arise.
Reconnaissance flights in the Tullnerfeld, Mostviertel and Kamptal serve to document the extent of the damage and to provide geologists with a basis for further security measures. These missions illustrate the diversity and complexity of the tasks that the Austrian Armed Forces undertake in the context of disaster protection.
In a statement, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner praised the efforts of the soldiers and the many volunteers. She emphasized the enormous value of solidarity in these difficult times and spoke of the "true strength of our community" that is shown in such crisis situations. The commitment of the Federal Army is invaluable in this situation and is making a decisive contribution to overcoming the consequences of the flood.
The Federal Army as part of disaster protection
When natural disasters such as the current floods hit Austria, the Federal Army is an indispensable support for the civilian emergency services. Thanks to their special training and equipment, the soldiers can take on tasks that are difficult or impossible for other emergency services. The Army's engineer units in particular are often deployed in such situations and demonstrate their high level of operational readiness. They remain in action until the acute danger has been averted and the situation has stabilized.
The current flood situation shows once again how important coordinated cooperation between military and civilian forces is to protect the country from major damage and save lives.
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