After the summer floods, the country has dramatically increased support for those affected. €8.5 million in compensation has already been guaranteed – ultimately it will be much more.
When on June 8, the normally inconspicuous Stögersbach in Loipersdorf-Kitzladen became a raging stream and overflowed its banks, the lives of the Gruber family sank in the flood. Mud and water were about half a meter high on the ground floor of the house.
“Everything was broken, we had to throw everything away,” says Joachim Gruber. With the exception of a few items of clothing that hung high enough, everything was damaged by the moisture. Furniture, doors and interior fittings could no longer be saved. There was even mud under the tiles, Gruber says. “At first you don’t believe what it looks like. The damage was enormous.”
Living in a confined space
The building is Gruber’s childhood home. While the sister lives upstairs, the family had created a home on the ground floor. Just a few years earlier they had expanded and invested heavily. Then the water came and the family with their two children and two dogs suddenly found themselves without a home. Since June 8, they have been living in a makeshift upstairs room in a small space. “Everything should be ready by mid-November so that we can live downstairs again,” says the father of the family.
Help with teething problems
Despite the initial teething problems, he is grateful for the state’s flood relief efforts. Because the insurance only covered one sixth of the damage amount. The rest would not have been possible without support, according to the southern Burgenlander. All claims submitted have been paid.
400 people on speaking days
Hundreds of people, like the Gruber family, are affected by the flood. In Oberwart and Wiesfleck alone, 400 people attended the twelve speaking days. “Through the consultation days, we have been able to relieve many citizens of their concerns, remove any ambiguities and clarify details,” says state governor Hans Peter Doskozil. More than 8.5 million euros have been promised to private households or have already been paid out.
Reports should be available by the end of the month
Where an expert estimate is still missing, this must be available no later than the end of October, so that these last open files can also be processed. “According to the current state of affairs, compensation totaling more than fifteen million euros is expected in the area of private households,” says Markus Pammer, head of the department of agriculture, nature and climate protection.
Support for communities
There is also support for the affected communities. Many bridges, roads, paths and buildings were damaged. “In total, at least ten million euros will be needed to restore the affected properties,” Doskozil said. The state aid concerns private households, companies and agricultural businesses. Consultation appointments in Eisenstadt can be made by telephone (057/600-2045).
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.
