Even a month after the mega-flood, the houses in Langenrohr in Tullnerfeld are still not accessible – and that will probably not be the case for a long time. Because the groundwater level is falling very slowly, residents fear for their life’s work.
“We have worked hard all our lives and had to give up a lot to build a house here. Now we can only watch as our dream is destroyed!” When Wolfgang (78) and Josefine Niemeck (73) stand in front of their house on the former gravel pond in Langenrohr in Tullnerfeld, they are almost in tears. Because the beautiful home is still flooded a month after the flood disaster.
“As with previous floods, we had no problems until the third day. But then several dams broke,” Wolfgang recalls. The level of the pond rose quickly and the pensioners were able to save only what they needed and themselves to the first floor, where they were evacuated by the fire brigade.
They haven’t been back to their second home since then – and that won’t be for a long time. Because the groundwater level drops very slowly. “We were told it could take until May. If it freezes at the latest, everything is destroyed,” says Niemeck. What will happen next is up in the air for the couple, who live in an apartment in Vienna. “This is our life’s work,” they tell the “Krone” during the on-site inspection.
“The truth is not pleasant”
The government and the municipality state that they have already taken a number of measures to lower the level. Currently, approximately 50,000 cubic meters of water per hour are pumped into the Danube to support the rapid drainage of groundwater. In the hinterland, wastewater from the groundwater is also directed to the Perschling. Measures are also being prepared in the Trasdorf and Moosbierbaum region to relieve pressure on particularly affected settlement areas.
“Pointless pumping is pointless”
“There is no point in pumping stain out of the pond because it will quickly return to equilibrium,” says Mayor Leopold Figl. The local boss fears that it will take a long time before the groundwater level returns to a lower level. “The truth in this case is not pleasant to hear, but it is fair and reasonable. We can only ask for patience and trust,” said Figl.
At least: despite their second home status, the Niemecks and their neighbors can count on help from the disaster fund, they have been assured. However, the damage committee can only take action if it can enter the home. But it will probably be too late to save the houses…
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.
