Even two months after the storms of the century, the traces of the disaster in the Carinthian valley are clearly visible. The clean-up work continues, the end is not yet in sight. What gives hope to many of those affected is a willingness to donate. Because they still have to wait for help from the federal government.
Politicians in big words promised quick and unbureaucratic help to those affected. So far, however, only a portion has arrived. “We wouldn’t be able to get through this without donations,” is the tenor in the valley.
An affected farmer, whose farm was almost completely destroyed, received 10,000 euros in emergency state aid, 7,500 euros from the Caritas and “Krone” fundraiser and another 5,000 euros from donations. Federal aid is still awaited in vain.
“Only a fraction of the damage can be covered”
Farmer Kurt Rauter, who works with his daughter Margreth on the destroyed family farm, also criticizes politicians’ promises. “Only from our tractor, only the rims and transmission were left. The device cost 60,000 euros. Only a fraction of the damage can be covered with current supports.”
Through the bureaucracy jungle
As if that were not enough, those affected also have to overcome a number of bureaucratic hurdles: “We will have finished the reconstruction by the time the first applications have come through”, Rauter shakes his head with his eyes and a pat on the shoulder, but that’s about it.”
‘The responsible have dismissed all furniture as worthless’
The situation is similar for Fritz Hanze: “By the time everything is back in order in my house, at least 130,000 euros will have been used up – politicians promised us that everything would be replaced, but those responsible dismissed all the furniture as worthless during the The people have been so generous with the donations, but only the state and federal government can absorb the total damage.”
In addition, there is a lack of professionals: “In our region, everyone needs a plumber and an electrician. The order book is getting longer and longer.”
wave of helpfulness
In particular, many of those affected would like to thank the donation initiatives and entrepreneurs who are helping. “Armin Strussnig runs his window factory in the wilderness. He actually wanted to donate 250,000 euros to the community, but when he saw how those affected were doing, he gave us all new windows for free. This generosity helps us immensely.”
Silent Memorials
The mountains of mud and earth at Treffen and Köttwein are silent memorials to the catastrophe and will probably remain there for some time to come: “That’s 300,000 cubic meters – a truckload of ten cubic meters requires 30,000 journeys. And what to do with it.” the mud and the earth?” asks Bernhard Gassler, Deputy Mayor of Treffen.
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.
