After the flood disaster in southern Styria, many families are confronted with the ruins of their existence. “Krone” on-site visit to a family in hard-hit Gosdorf.
The sun is shining from the sky, the birds are chirping, contemplative tranquility reigns – at first glance everything seems as usual in Gosdorf, near the Slovenian border. It’s hard to imagine that last weekend’s rains caused the flood of the century.
Broken home appliances pile up
Only upon closer inspection do the magnitude of the catastrophe become apparent: pumps are running for many basements, broken household appliances and furniture are piled up in driveways. This also applies to the estate of the Wagner family, which was badly affected by the storm. “I am 67 years old, but I have never experienced anything like it,” says Alois Wagner, adding: “Within half an hour, our existence was broken, everything was broken.”
“We had to climb out the window”
Daughter Andrea Semlitsch lives with her husband and three-year-old daughter in the area of the two-family house that was renovated only seven years ago. The rooms have been emptied, the plaster has been scratched so that the moisture can escape more easily. “The parquet floors shrank, we pulled everything out,” explains Andrea Semlitsch. “We were up to our waists in water and had to climb out of the window because we couldn’t get the doors open,” recalls the Southeast Styrian. The family is now staying with relatives.
Grateful for wave of helpfulness
“The willingness to help on the part of the community and the population has been tremendous, we are overwhelmed.” Now the family hopes for compensation from the disaster fund, so that the financial ruin is at least cushioned. Her most urgent wish: to return to your own four walls as soon as possible – even if only with the bare necessities. “My daughter doesn’t understand the world anymore and always asks, ‘Mom, when can we finally sleep at home again’?
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
