After the flash flood and mudslides, the clean-up work in St. Anton am Arlberg is in full swing. It is really a race against time, with more heavy rains expected for the weekend. Tyrolean Governor Anton Mattle (ÖVP) reviewed the situation and assured those affected of financial support.
Wheelbarrows, shovels, brooms and heavy equipment such as excavators and countless trucks: in St. Anton the big clean-up began on Saturday after the flash floods and mudslides of Friday night. Hundreds of emergency services and aid workers are in the city.
Further precipitation forecast
Mayor Helmut Mall explained late in the morning that work is currently being done on no fewer than 26 damage sites: “The sediment basins in particular need to be cleared so that they do not lose their protective function against further possible storms. In addition, a number of cellars need to be pumped dry.”
In general, there is great fear among those responsible, aid workers and the many affected, as more heavy rainfall is forecast, especially on Sunday.
The state guarantees financial support
State Governor Anton Mattle and State Security Councillor Astrid Mair (both ÖVP) were on site on Saturday morning to get an overview of the situation and to thank the emergency services on site. “First of all, we are all very relieved that no one was injured during the storms – that’s the most important thing. “Nevertheless, there was enormous material damage after the heavy rain: cars were washed away, cellars were flooded, buildings were damaged by landslides,” said Mattle.
We will continue to closely monitor the weather situation in the coming hours and days. “We are providing support to all those who have lost property or suffered damage to their buildings. “With the disaster fund, we can provide targeted financial assistance in the event of such damage due to natural events,” Mattle continued.
Please do not hinder the emergency services
On Friday evening and Saturday night, there were floods – in some cases even parked cars were swept away by the water – and mudslides in the entire western part of St. Anton (Mooserkreuz, Stadle district, Oberdorf and in the area around the two roundabouts). “Due to the ongoing cleaning work and the resulting disruptions, we ask you to avoid car traffic in the city center at the moment,” Mayor Mall calls.
More photos of the clean-up work:
Arlberg Pass also closed
Travel to and from St. Anton is still possible from and to the east. However, the connection to Vorarlberg is interrupted after a mudflow blocked the Arlbergstrasse (B197). In addition to the Mure on the Tyrolean side, the road is currently also closed on the Vorarlberg side. “The duration of the ban cannot currently be estimated. A road connection from Tyrol to Vorarlberg is currently only possible via the Lechtal,” says the state of Tyrol.
Public bus transport is operating with restrictions. Rail traffic is not affected by the storm and the cleaning activities.
No lifts, cabins and trails closed
According to the state, there are currently no mountain railways in the community due to the ongoing dangers in the Alps after the storm. In addition, the Verwalltal is currently not accessible or drivable and therefore completely closed. For this reason, it is also not possible to walk along the path towards Konstanzerhütte. The Wagnerhütte remains closed. In addition, several hiking trails are currently closed.
Source: Krone
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