Just over a week after the heavy storms in Austria, the federal government and the mainly affected state of Lower Austria are further increasing aid payments. Instead of the previous 20 percent, there will now be at least 50 percent compensation for those affected in Austria’s largest state.
The flood of horrors gripped the whole of Austria. Even about a week after the storms and floods, clean-up operations are still ongoing in many parts of the country. “If you help quickly, you help twice as much,” politicians said. As reported, the disaster fund was therefore increased as a first step.
As much as 500 million euros are also flowing from the European Union to Austria as storm aid. As the “Krone” learned, the same funds will now be used as a first step to increase the compensation percentages for those affected in Lower Austria from 20 to 50 percent. In the case of hardship, the compensation should even increase to 80 percent.
Other countries may also increase
The federal government emphasizes that other affected states can also increase their compensation rates. All except Burgenland, which is much smaller compared to Lower Austria. The compensation rate there is already 100. In Carinthia, which also falls under the SPÖ, the rate is 50 percent.
In total, together with the €500 million from EU funds and funds from the Austrian Disaster Relief Fund, a total of €1.5 billion in aid is now available in Austria to help people quickly repair the damage and rebuild the destroyed infrastructure.
Nehammer: “We don’t let anyone down”
Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner explained: “Lower Austria always helps when a disaster occurs elsewhere. Now it is the other way around. It is about my compatriots. This concerns me day and night. That is why I am very grateful for this result.” And Chancellor Karl Nehammer added: “It is crucial that help is provided quickly and that we give people the certainty that the support will come. We will not let anyone down.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
