After the storms – cut off: Carinthian place must be evacuated

The past nine months have been turbulent for the 70-member community. At first it was about 100 cubic meters of rock that destroyed the only access road to Guntschach. Although an escape route for residents was built at the time and the ferry connection between Ferlach and Guntschach was intensified, the escape route fell victim to a mudslide in July. After four days, the only way out was opened again, only to break loose completely a month later – during the heavy storms on the weekend. “The escape route can no longer be saved and the existing road is still being renovated – so we are cut off again,” says firefighter Stefan Povoden, who lives with his family in Guntschach.

The state of emergency has been there since Friday. The men from the village have formed a small task force: “They flew in material by helicopter, which we used to secure endangered areas and prepare for further storms,” ​​says Povoden. For example, the drinking water supply of five residential buildings has been restored.

The only road leads over the Drau
The inhabitants of Guntschach can only get out of the city with an army passenger ferry: “There are already some cars on the other side of the Drau!” The pioneers are also currently working on a ferry about three miles downstream from Guntschach, which will then be used to send heavy equipment to help.

“The intention is that the ferry will be operational on Friday morning,” reports Thomas Enenkel of the army. Then access roads still have to be built on the other side of the river, namely in Guntschach. On Monday – if everything goes according to plan and the weather does not interfere – the transport of the whitewater and avalanche barriers should start.

Guntschacher should go to another quarter
It is therefore unclear how long the 30 households will remain closed. “According to current forecasts, Hemmafelsen-Straße will be passable again in December,” said district governor Johannes Leitner. Tuesday at 5 p.m. there was information for the public in the Rüsthaus Glainach on how to proceed. “It was said that we all had to move to alternative neighborhoods,” says one of those affected.

Emergency shelters must be organized in Ferlach or Maria Rain for this. “Basically we can’t force anyone,” says Leitner, “but in winter due to the amount of flotsam and the water conditions there can’t be a regular ferry service and the help of the federal army has to be called in. They don’t last more than a month, so the supply is extremely difficult.” This is a big problem, especially for school-age children or the elderly who need medical care.

“We are completely let down!”
Daniel Fellner, councilor for civil defense, announced that he would assume all costs incurred during the temporary eviction. Farmers could house their animals in replacement stables. “The decision of the citizens is still pending, we are working so long to build up a stock in case someone wants to stay in Guntschach,” says the district captain.

However, those affected feel let down: “We have written countless emails asking why the renovation of the main access road is taking so long – with no response!” complained one of the residents. It is feared that the renovation will not be completed in December and that the Guntschachers will not be able to return to their homeland for months.

“We feel like the authorities don’t care,” said another affected person. According to them, there was too little information at the appointment on Tuesday and no answers to important questions. “Actually, we have no choice but to use these rooms, otherwise how are we supposed to go to work in the fall? What happens if there is an emergency and the rescue helicopter cannot fly due to bad weather?”