Continuous rain, storms and snow in the mountains in Austria for days. The situation in the Kamptal in Lower Austria is catastrophic. The heavy rains are expected to cause flooding there, which statistically occurs less often than every 100 years.
Federal rescue commander Gerry Foitik: “We fear that the same people who were affected by the flood of the century in 2002 will be left with nothing again. Around 3,000 people have to leave their houses and apartments to reach safety. It is a farewell without the certainty of finding an intact home when you return. These people are reminded of terrible memories and are afraid. As the Red Cross, we stand by those affected and do everything we can to help. Thank you to our colleagues across the country who are on standby!”
The Austrian Red Cross is calling for donations for those affected by the extreme weather situation: www.roteskreuz.at/spende-hochwasser
Being prepared for crises means disaster prevention – empathy strengthens
The weather forecasts for the past few days were accurate, and Austria was able to adapt well to the capricious weather.
“I would like to thank everyone who takes the warnings of the past few days seriously and behaves accordingly, being careful and attentive. And: It’s not over yet! Please ask people who are afraid again today whether everything is okay. Crisis situations take a toll on people. And what we have learned from the past few years: solidarity and empathy strengthen us. A phone call, a small message, all of this can take away worries and is just as important as helping to pump out the basement,” appeals Gerry Foitik.
Red Cross in action
In the emergency service, 2,500 to 3,000 colleagues are currently on duty every day on weekends. 80% of them volunteer. Thousands of Red Cross colleagues are currently on standby throughout Austria at the federal level, in the regional associations and district offices and in coordination with the disaster authorities, in the crisis teams and, for example, when preparing emergency shelters.
Photos: Click here (Symbolic photos, please note image descriptions!)
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