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WEATHER

How the torrential rain forecast this weekend could impact Vienna

Vienna's sewer network and public transport are facing several days of heavy rain. While the city is well-prepared, the continuous downpours could push the system to its limits.

Published: 13 September 2024 16:54 CEST
How the torrential rain forecast this weekend could impact Vienna
A tourist couple shelters from the rain under an umbrella decorated with famous artworks of Austrian artist Gustav Klimt in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by ALEXANDER KLEIN / AFP)

Vienna is bracing for several days of persistent rain as part of the extreme weather sweeping across Austria. 

While other regions face severe flooding and massive downpours, the Austrian capital is also under pressure. Continuous rainfall is expected to test its sewer system, underground transport, and flood defences. 

How much can Vienna handle before its infrastructure is overwhelmed?

Vienna’s sewer system put to the test

The torrential rains began on Thursday and are expected to continue until Sunday, possibly longer. Josef Gottschall from Wien Kanal has told Die Presse that Vienna’s sewer system is prepared, with all pumps and reservoirs ready to manage the heavy rainfall. 

READ ALSO: Floods and avalanches: Austria set for weekend of extreme weather

The system is designed to handle major rain events, but the report added that the forecasted 150 to 200 litres per square metre of rain will stretch the city’s capabilities.

While the city’s advanced sewer management system uses hydrodynamic models and real-time weather data from 35 stations to control water flow, Gottschall warns that no sewer network is built to handle extreme floods. “Even if money were no object,” he says, the scale of potential flooding in Vienna could surpass what the infrastructure is designed to manage.

In addition to the sewer system, the city’s underground rail network is under close surveillance. Wiener Linien is monitoring the situation and is ready to react quickly if flooding occurs, the company has said. Measures like sandbags and dam beams could be deployed at subway stations, while buses may be rerouted if necessary.

Although flooding in the underground system is not currently expected, prolonged rainfall could still cause issues in low-lying areas of the city.

Security on the Danube River

While not expected to overflow into the city, Vienna’s famed Danube River has prompted authorities to impose a “swim ban” on the Neue Donau (New Danube). Built-in the 1970s to protect the city from catastrophic flooding, the New Danube has often proven its worth by averting major disasters for Vienna.

The New Danube channel was constructed to divert excess water away from the main river, preventing floods in the city. When water levels rise in the central Danube, gates are released to allow water into the channel. 

READ MORE: ​​How the New Danube protects Vienna from catastrophic floods

Will Vienna see flooding?

While Vienna is unlikely to face the same level of flooding as other regions of Austria, the continuous rain poses a significant challenge. 

The city’s advanced flood protection and sewer systems are designed to handle heavy rainfall, but experts warn that if the forecasts are accurate, some flooding in the underground rail system and lower districts may be unavoidable.

READ NEXT: Do I need to empty my ‘Keller’ in Austria if torrential rain is forecast?

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FLOODS

How Austria plans to prevent future catastrophic floods

Following catastrophic floods in Lower Austria, the Austrian government has announced the creation a €1 billion disaster fund to rebuild affected areas and prevent future disasters. Here's how you can access help.

Published: 18 September 2024 10:45 CEST
How Austria plans to prevent future catastrophic floods

Austria will step up its efforts to prevent future disasters in the wake of the catastrophic floods that recently ravaged parts of the country, chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) and vice-chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) said in a press conference on Wednesday morning.

Following the deadly storms that primarily affected Lower Austria, the Austrian government increased the national disaster fund to €1 billion, with an emphasis on both immediate relief and long-term flood protection, the politicians said.

The floods, described as some of the worst in recent memory, led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents. Four people lost their lives, while many communities in Lower Austria face the slow process of recovery. 

READ ALSO: What’s the cause of Austria’s ‘unprecedented’ rainfall and flooding?

Efforts were concentrated on restoring homes and businesses, repairing infrastructure, and preventing similar disasters in the future.

Emergency measures and relief for affected areas

As part of the relief package, €45 million in emergency aid was made available from the disaster fund on Tuesday to assist those hit hardest by the floods. 

Chancellor Nehammer stressed the importance of swift action, ensuring that affected individuals could access support quickly. “We are very grateful for the heroic efforts of volunteers and emergency services,” said Nehammer.

Residents who have suffered damage to their homes would benefit from the expanded housing support, which totals €40 million. 

In cases where homes are uninhabitable, additional hardship assistance will be provided, the chancellor announced. 

A man wades through a flooded street and carries items on September 17, 2024 in Moosbierbaum in Tullnerfeld, Austria, as the town is expecting a third flood wave after a new dam burst. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP)

Businesses that were damaged or forced to close will receive special interest-free loans and guarantees to aid in their recovery. Moreover, companies facing extended closures can temporarily register their employees for short-time working schemes (known as Kurzarbeit, a popular scheme during the pandemic years with subsidised salaries to avoid dismissals)  to alleviate financial strain.

READ ALSO: Do workers in Austria have the right to stay at home amid floods crisis?

How to access support

Nehammer emphasised that local authorities would be the primary point of contact for residents seeking aid from the disaster fund. “Those affected should reach out to their mayors or municipal offices to access advance payments and receive faster support,” he explained.

In addition to immediate aid, the increased disaster fund will support long-term flood protection measures. 

An initial €10 million has been earmarked for renovating flood defences and dams, and further investments are planned to strengthen Austria’s preparedness against future extreme weather events. 

According to Nehammer, a total of €1 billion will be invested in flood protection projects across the country in the coming years.

Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler highlighted that lessons have been learned from previous disasters, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts between municipalities, provinces, and the federal government. 

Kogler also called for greater attention to soil and nature conservation, which he said can help mitigate the impact of extreme weather events caused by climate change. “When there is water, there is too much. That is the nature of the climate crisis,” he said, calling for municipalities to reduce the size of areas that are concreted over.

READ NEXT: Will my Austrian home insurance cover storm damage?

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