Heavy hail storms caused enormous damage in Burgenland on Friday afternoon. According to initial studies by the Austrian hail insurer, the damage to agriculture amounts to 1.3 million euros. The districts of Neusiedl am See and the Eisenstadt area were particularly affected. According to the state security center, about 30 fire operations were registered, also mainly in the north of Burgenland.
Between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM, the fire brigades in Burgenland had to respond a total of 30 times to pump out flooded cellars. Most missions were recorded in northern Burgenland, and there were two in the Güssing district.
The Güssing District Fire Command reported a two-hour operation in Wortenberg, during which hail-blocked streets and cellars were flooded.
Events cancelled
What did Peter want to prevent? The picnic of the opponents or the festival of health? Or did he want to say: Talk to each other! Anyway, between 4:30 p.m. a storm hit the Neusiedl district, causing a lot of damage.
There were actually two events scheduled to take place around the planned Gols hospital. The SPÖ had planned the ‘Festival of Health’ at the location of the future clinic, the citizens’ initiative ‘Yes, to the hospital – No to the development of the Golser Wiesäcker’ wanted to have a picnic at the Ungerberg lookout tower.
But the weather forecasts already showed that problems could arise. Just in time for the citizens’ initiative that was to start at 4 p.m., the heavens opened all the floodgates. Within about 20 minutes, almost 60 liters fell. Included: hail.
The image at the “Festival of Health” is completely different: many cars and a full tent. Nevertheless, the decision of state governor Hans Peter Doskozil, national councilor Maximilian Köllner and state parliament member Kilian Brandstätter is: the festival is cancelled. “We don’t celebrate when there are floods everywhere,” was the unanimous sentiment. “There must be solidarity here. It does not make a good impression if we enjoy ourselves here while there are people in Neusiedl am See, Podersdorf am See, Mönchhof and other communities across the country who have to empty their cellars and fear for their belongings.”
Image of agricultural devastation
The Austrian hail insurance shows how extensive the damage is to agriculture.
According to the experts’ initial studies, the total damage to agriculture amounts to 1.3 million euros. Private individuals have also complained about their suffering via social media. “Everything is broken,” is the saying from Podersdorf. “The laboriously cultivated vegetable plants. All destroyed. It happened so quickly that I had no chance to get her to safety.”
There is destruction, especially in the Neusiedl am See and Eisenstadt districts. About 5,000 hectares of agricultural land – from arable land to vineyards and fruit crops – is affected.
A health festival turns into a morning pint
Still, many people sat in the tent to chat and enjoy sausages and drinks.
The “Festival of Health” will be moved to May 25. However, not in the evening as planned, but as a morning drink. It will start at 11am. An update about the clinic was also announced.
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.
