The persistent heavy rain and the associated rise in the level of rivers and streams in Tyrol kept thousands of emergency services on their toes on Monday. The districts of Imst and Innsbruck-Land are currently the hardest hit. After floods, mudslides and landslides, roads and the Brenner railway are closed. The management of state operations was stepped up.
On Monday afternoon, 2,500 firefighters were deployed to the floods in Tyrol. The situation in the Imst district is particularly precarious: according to current estimates, the level of the Ötztaler Ache can be expected to rise again there. In addition to the B186 Ötztal Straße from Oetz, the Pitztal Landesstraße from Neurur (municipality of St. Leonhard) is currently also closed.
30 houses had to be evacuated
In addition, 30 households with about 70 people were evacuated in Tumpen (Ried district) in the Ötztal. They were housed in the local club and fire station. Three houses were also evacuated in Jerzens. According to current information from TINETZ, there are supply interruptions in the Pitztal.
Brenner railway closed after the Muren exit
After a mudslide on the Brenner railway between Gries am Brenner and Brenner, the train connection is currently interrupted there. A rail replacement service was established by ÖBB. The rolling road (RoLa) is also affected and is currently closed. In order to continue to guarantee goods traffic, the sectoral driving ban was temporarily lifted by the authorities.
In addition, the Brenner road B182 is closed after a mudslide in Matrei am Brenner in the Matreiwald area.
Red alert also in Innsbruck
On Monday morning, the fire chief of the Innsbruck professional fire brigade also decided to activate the mobile flood protection in the Sill area. The pedestrian and cycle path from Rapoldi Park to Pradler Bridge is closed. The bridges and streams are controlled by the fire department. In addition to the professional fire brigade, the volunteer fire brigades of Reichenau, Mühlau and Amras are currently deployed.
State operations management activated
“The situation remains tense and is being closely monitored. To ensure the best possible coordination across the country, the management of state operations is now also activated by the state,” said State Security Councilor Astrid Mair (ÖVP) over lunch after a briefing at the Innsbruck manor.
Still not all clear
According to current forecasts and assessments by GeoSphere Austria and the state’s hydrographic office, the main Alpine ridge will generally still be affected; the focus will shift to the Zillertal Alps and the East Tyrolean Tauern in the course of the afternoon. In the district of Lienz, the water levels in the upper part of the Isel may rise.
Thunderstorms can increase the danger
“According to current forecasts, thunderstorms will also fall in these areas during the day, which will further increase the precipitation intensity. It is impossible to predict exactly where and when these thunderstorms will arrive. According to current knowledge, the peaks are expected at the Innfeeders between Monday afternoon and evening, in Innsbruck in the afternoon and in the lowlands on Tuesday. In addition, avoid unnecessary car journeys in affected areas and keep them away from flood zones and bodies of water,” said Elmar Rizzoli, head of the Center for Crisis and Disaster Management.
More details coming soon!
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.
