General

Flooding and inundation – and the associated mudslides, landslides and rockfalls – are disasters that occur regularly in Austria. Floods are natural events.

Because of the increasing use of areas close to water – on river banks and the adjacent flood plains – such natural events rapidly become natural disasters from the human perspective – and we should be prepared for them.

In the event of heavy, continuous rainfall and the associated higher levels of precipitation, flooding can occur in areas along the Danube and its tributaries, along other rivers and streams, and also in previously unexpected places.

10 tips to help you to “be prepared” for flooding

  1. Check the flood risk of your property
  2. Think about how water could get into your home
  3. Implement structural precautions where possible to protect the building
  4. Get yourself some equipment for dealing with floods
  5. Adapt the use of your home to the flood risk
  6. Create your own personal action plan
  7. Organise neighbourhood help
  8. Clarify your risk coverage (insurance, reserves)
  9. Be aware of precipitation & severe weather warnings
  10. Learn what is correct behaviour in the event of flooding

Please note: All structural and other precautionary measures listed below are for information purposes only! Any specific measure implemented should be discussed with or carried out by a specialist!

What causes flooding?

To put it simply: River (fluvial) flooding occurs when a body of water such as a river or stream experiences large flows which cause it to “burst its banks”; extreme heavy rainfall (precipitation) comes from the sky, and may cause surface water (pluvial) flooding, or exacerbate fluvial flooding. Heavy rainfall can occur almost anywhere. Fluvial flooding can only come from bodies of water.

In principle, every flood has its own individual characteristics. No two floods are the same. They are primarily influenced by where and when there are heavy or prolonged rainfall events. In addition, the course and height of the flood depend heavily on the conditions prevailing immediately before the rain, such as the moisture saturation of the ground, the amount of snow and the temperature.

There are various factors that can cause water to flow faster into rivers and make flooding more likely. These include construction projects such as roads, car parks, ski slopes and forest roads, which seal the ground and allow water to run off more quickly. Likewise, land development, road construction and the heaping of soil also reduce the storage space or “flood plains” available for the water.

Agriculture can also change the soil, through heavy machinery compacting it, or fertilisers affecting its structure. All of these factors lead to rainwater reaching streams and rivers more quickly. The operation of hydropower plants on rivers and their tributaries also has an influence on the effects of any flooding.

Dangers of flooding

The most obvious risk from rivers bursting their banks is inundation. The water rises over the banks of rivers, streams or lakes and can flood areas that are normally dry. This can lead to houses, roads, fields and infrastructure being damaged or destroyed.

Floods can endanger people and threaten their lives. People who are surprised by floods can drown or be injured in the water. Floods can also transmit diseases, as drinking water and sewage systems are often contaminated.

Flooding can cause considerable damage to buildings, vehicles and personal property. This damage is not only costly, but can also be emotionally and psychologically stressful.

This damage is not only costly, but can also be emotionally and psychologically stressful. Businesses may have to be shut down, crops can be destroyed, and infrastructure can be expensive to repair.

Floods can have a significant impact on the environment, by destroying or polluting habitats for animals and plants. This can have long-term ecological effects.

Floods can disrupt the supply of electricity, water and other essential services. This can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected.

Flooded roads and bridges can obstruct traffic or bring it to a complete standstill. This reduces mobility and makes rescue and evacuation measures more difficult.

Flooding can also have long-term effects, as it can take months or even years for affected areas to fully recover. This can mean psychological stress and financial difficulties for those affected.

It is important to be aware of the dangers of flooding, and to take precautions to protect yourself, your family and your property, particularly if you live in areas that are at risk of flooding. This may include monitoring flood warnings, setting up emergency plans and following the instructions of local authorities.

Precautions

The simplest and at the same time most effective planning measure is to build out of the reach of flood waters. This includes options such as:

  • Building outside areas at risk of flooding
  • Building in elevated positions
  • Building without a cellar
  • Building on stilts.

If a building is erected on stilts, it is possible to use the space underneath for secondary purposes (e.g. for car parking; not for storage), provided sufficient warning time is available. You should ensure that the building is accessible by means of walkways or emergency exits (large windows, balcony doors) etc. at higher levels.

If the aforementioned options are not possible, further precautions must be taken. Buoyancy, water pressure, flow pressure, erosion and fine particle washout are decisive for the structural safety of buildings. Detailed information and tips on securing buildings in the event of flooding can be found in our “SAFETY guide to flooding”.

Equipment list for personal protection in the event of flooding

Here you will find a list of items that can be useful during and after a flood. Please note that personal protection in a crisis is always an individual matter.

What is important in your situation in the event of an emergency?

Preparation

  • Emergency supplies (see also our topic page on stocking up on provisions)
  • Home pharmacy (see also our topic page on home pharmacies)
  • Means of communication for flooding scenarios (e.g. battery radio, power banks for smart phones)
  • Torches or other backup light sources
  • Gas, camping or other replacement cookers
  • Replacement heating systems – radiators, hot air blowers or gas heaters
  • Lighter, matches and tin opener
  • Emergency signalling device: flashing lamp, signal horn

During a flood

  • Basket or other container with rope
  • Ladder or rope ladder
  • Waders and wellington boots
  • Container for objects worth protecting
  • Equipment for jacking up and elevating
  • Plastic sheeting and tarpaulins
  • Material for sealing openings in buildings
  • Life jacket

After a flood

  • Rubber and protective work gloves
  • Scrubbing brush, bucket, water scraper, cloths etc.
  • Pumps and accessories
  • Pump hoses
  • Water hoses for cleaning after flooding
  • Extension cable
  • Skin protection cream
  • Additional lighting
  • Insulating tape, adhesive tape, wire, string and ropes
  • Hand tools and small items
  • Chemical toilet or makeshift loo

Emergency bag

Even if you have enough time to pack a few things during an evacuation, it is difficult to think of everything when you are in a stressful situation. So it is better to plan ahead. You should also consider the possibility that it may be a while before you can re-enter your home. You may first have to move into emergency accommodation or stay with friends. Your emergency bag should help you cope with the first few days away from home. First basic rule: Do not take more for each family member than will fit in a rucksack. A rucksack is more practical than a suitcase, as it leaves you with both hands free.

  • Personal medication
  • First aid material
  • Battery-operated radio, spare batteries
  • Food for 2 days in dust-proof packaging
  • Water bottle
  • Tableware and cutlery
  • Tin opener and pocket knife
  • Torch, spare batteries
  • Sleeping bag or blanket
  • Clothing for a few days, including weatherproof clothing
  • Headgear
  • Work gloves
  • Hygiene articles (e.g. articles for menstrual hygiene, nappies) for a few days
  • Protective mask, respiratory protection (also for protection in the event of danger from radioactive or chemical substances)
  • Camera or smart phone (to be able to document any damage after your return)
  • Document folder

Document folder

A document folder is something very individual. Which documents are important to you will depend on your personal circumstances. Here are some examples of document types that belong in a document folder:

  • Passport or identity card
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of citizenship
  • Marriage certificate or divorce certificate
  • Registration form
  • Savings books
  • Certificates
  • Insurance policies
  • Certificates and other important documents
  • Photo documentation of valuable objects

What to do in the event of flooding

First of all, keep calm. Every flood is different! Do not draw conclusions from past events and do not believe any self-proclaimed prophesiers. It is important to monitor the weather situation. The best way to do this is to follow radio and television reports. Also pay attention to any loudspeaker announcements on site.

Follow the instructions of the local authorities and be conscientious in implementing the measures ordered. In an emergency, everyone also has an obligation towards their fellow human beings. Keep yourself up to date on the danger situation – the authorities will inform you regularly.

Also pay attention to siren signals (Make sure you ask whether there are any special regulations in your region -> > example: Lower Austria, Kamptal valley: “Water alarm”: over period of 10 minutes, continuous tone lasting 10 seconds, alternating with 5 second breaks)

Move livestock out of the danger zone. Secure tanks in cellars; dismantle technical equipment if necessary. It is advisable to remove or switch off electronic equipment.

Roads and paths may be flooded. Only leave the house in an absolute emergency (check whether it makes sense to go out). Watch out for and recognise hazards (aquaplaning, floating debris, falling rocks) – traffic routes that are considered safe may pose a danger to life. Also be aware of the danger posed by floating debris.

Prepare or implement waterproofing measures in the house and move vehicles from the garage/parking area to a higher location. Turn off gas, water and electricity at the mains! Remove objects that must not get wet from the cellar!

Keep your emergency bag to hand and bear your personal safety in mind!

Help other people around you. Those not affected should help those affected without being asked!

10 tips on what to do in the event of flooding

  1. Avoid the banks of streams and rivers!
  2. Move children to safety in areas outside the flood zones!
  3. Stay in the house and seek out safe areas (e.g. upper floor)!
  4. Apply your own personal action plan!
  5. In an emergency, call the fire brigade if people or animals are in danger!
  6. Follow the instructions of the emergency services!
  7. Have your emergency bag and important documents prepared and to hand!
  8. Avoid entering cellars and underground car parks – danger to life!
  9. Avoid driving on flooded or partially flooded roads – danger to life!
  10. When attempting a rescue, always consider your own safety and ensure that you are secured to something!

10 things you should know about fire service operations during floods

  1. Fire services cannot be everywhere at the same time after natural disasters
  2. They deal with the greatest danger first
  3. The order of priority is: The rescue of people and animals, protection of the locality and, if necessary, dam protection, the securing of critical infrastructure, property protection, technical assistance
  4. Fire service & population should work together to optimise the use of resources
  5. In the event of major (natural) disasters, the capacities of the local emergency services are limited. In such cases, supra-regional assistance from other fire services is organised.
  6. The fire service helps people where their help is most urgently needed
  7. The fire service is not there for all problems and cannot solve all problems either
  8. The fire service is a voluntary service in Austria
  9. The fire service is not a cleaning service
  10. The fire service is not something to be taken for granted

After the flood

If you are affected by flood damage, there are some important steps you should take:

  • Report the damage to your local council: You can report the damage informally to the local council. The council will then initiate the necessary measures and set up a damage commission to examine and record the damage.
  • Document the damage: It is very useful if you can document the damage as well as possible. This includes recording precise details such as the address, date and time of the damage. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and addresses. If necessary, you should take photos of the damage before carrying out any repairs. These photos can help you later when applying for compensation.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company: Both homeowners and other parties suffering damage should inform their insurance company of the damage as soon as possible.

It is important to follow these steps to ensure that your claim is dealt with appropriately and that you receive the support you need.

Tips for repairing damage

If suspicious cracks appear, doors or windows are jammed, or undermining by water is visible, the building must be inspected by a structural engineer.

Only start pumping out the cellar when it is certain that this will not cause any additional damage to the building. Seek information from the emergency organisations.

Remove all wet objects (furniture, carpets or other floor coverings). If it is not possible to store usable furniture temporarily elsewhere, always move it away from the wall to allow air to circulate. Place on slats so that air can also reach it from below.

Open the plasterboard panels to allow the cavities behind them to dry out more quickly. Remove soaked insulation materials. Mineral wool is rendered useless by the effects of water and must be disposed of. Allow natural insulating materials (e.g. cellulose, flax, sheep’s wool, etc.) to dry thoroughly. Then they can be reused.

The same applies to the insulation of floors. If the screed has been submerged, the mineral wool underneath it will have had its day. Screed and mineral wool must be removed. Flooded floors should be completely replaced, as it must be assumed that even if the floor structure dries out, odours and health hazards (mould growth) will persist.

Gypsum plasters bind a lot of moisture and thus delay the drying out of the walls, so they should be removed. Furthermore, salts form on the surface in the event of the prolonged presence of moisture. Such gypsum plasters would have to be replaced later anyway because of the salt deposits. Lime-cement plasters, clay plasters and lime plasters do not need to be removed unless the salt build-up is very high.

If the plaster has been contaminated with heating oil, removal should also be considered. Cleaning attempts will rarely achieve the desired success. Problems could subsequently arise with poorly adhering coats of paint, but also with outgassing pollutants

Airing again and again is the most important measure to take in order to remove the moisture. Open all windows from the cellar to the roof, and ensure good cross-ventilation. . To create a chimney effect, open any doors between floors. It may be necessary to take cellar windows and doors off their hinges temporarily. Rooms that have remained dry should be protected from further humidity by ensuring the doors to them are kept shut.

Use of fans helps

The air always takes the shortest route between two openings, which means that the corners of a room may remain unventilated. Fans can help to suck the air from these corners into the ventilation flow.

Dehumidifiers from the DIY store are usually of little help with soaked walls. Professional devices (on a hire basis) are generally more powerful and make more sense.

If possible, heat the building too, as warm air can absorb more moisture than cold air and ventilate well at the same time. Do not use gas appliances for this, as this would humidify the air even more.

Patience is an important virtue after flooding. It can take months or even a whole year, sometimes even longer, for soaked masonry to dry out again.