The Federal Army has been in action since this morning together with local emergency services due to the heavy rainfall in Lower Austria. The current operations take place in Altenwörth, Hadersdorf, Himberg, Haunoldstein, Melk/Bauhof, Melk and Markersdorf. The Federal Army is providing support with helicopters, operating units to cushion the power outages and helping to fill sandbags.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “The soldiers are standing close to the population during this challenging time – the Federal Army has already been in action for a few hours and will remain on site for as long as necessary. We are doing everything we can to support the affected areas, bring people to safety and protect the infrastructure. The top priority is to provide everyone affected with the help they urgently need now – together we will overcome this crisis.”
Parts of the 3rd Hunter Brigade and the 7th Hunter Brigade are currently in action. In Altenwörth, soldiers are helping to secure the dam, while others in Hadersdorf and Melk/Bauhof are filling sandbags. The Jägerbataillon 33 supports the local fire department in Himberg. The Pioneer Battalion 3 is deployed in Melk and Haunoldstein: Soldiers help with transport support in Melk and clear a retention basin with the help of an excavator. Aggregates are also operated so that power outages can be cushioned. In Markersdorf, two Black Hawk helicopters are deployed alternately to support the evacuation of people.
When does the armed forces help in natural disasters?
If a catastrophe is imminent – for example due to severe storms or large amounts of precipitation – the soldiers in the barracks prepare and stay ready. They are ready to provide support within a few hours. At the request of the authorities, the Federal Army deploys to provide assistance and supports civilian emergency services – be it filling sandbags, securing dams or clean-up work. In the event of a major accident, several thousand soldiers can ensure help for the people in Austria at the same time.
Information about the current operations of the Federal Army in Lower Austria can be found on the Federal Army homepage https://www.bundesheer.at/hochwassereinsatz-2024
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