The drop in water levels in Lower Austria was short-lived: Tullnerfeld in particular was hit by heavy rainfall on Monday, many roads had to be closed, dams burst or were badly hit. Once again, the city of Rust was particularly affected; now it even has to be evacuated!
Rust is a district of Michelhausen in Tullnerfeld – and suffered greatly during the flood disaster. First, the meritorious reservist Franz H. (75) died, then the fire brigade had to give up its own headquarters. The Florianis have set up their temporary operational control centre in the hall of a liquor store.
Mayor Bernard Heinl sees the horror and tension of the past few days written off his face when State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and the fire brigade leadership were on site for the situation briefing in the afternoon: “We are fighting side by side and overcoming the challenge together,” was the motto. Only a few hours later the next alarm came: the rain does not stop, dams are broken or already badly affected – the entire city has to be evacuated in the evening.
Perseverance slogans in advance
“We are here today to send a very clear signal to the people here in Rust and to the population throughout the country: We are here for you. We are at your side,” the state governor said that morning. In this situation, the mayors are particularly important as local crisis managers, she thanked Bernhard Heinl on her behalf.
400 soldiers on relief mission
“These are incredible images of a catastrophe. And first of all, our deepest condolences to the families of those who died,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, further emphasizing: “The soldiers of the Austrian Armed Forces are always there when they are called. And that will continue to be the case for as long as it is needed.” A total of 2,400 soldiers are available “and more can be added at any time if necessary. There are currently around 400 soldiers deployed in Lower Austria. Everything that is needed will be provided,” the minister said.
State Fire Chief Dietmar Fahrafellner also expressed his “deepest condolences” to the relatives of the victims. He thanked the deployed firefighters and emphasized: “You have done a great job. Keep going and if you need new strength: we have sufficient reserves. We will work together shoulder to shoulder.” There is a “dramatic situation” in Rust and therefore they plan to move large pumps. But in the end there was only one choice: evacuation.
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.
