Millions in damage

The traces of the storms are visible in Lavamünd

The slope under the barn on the Magdalensberg in Lavamünd is still sliding.

(Bild: Gerlinde Schager)

Parts of the infrastructure in Lavamünd destroyed by last year's storm have already been repaired. But some slopes are still moving.

Last year's disastrous summer left its mark on many communities, including Lavamünd. There, torrential rain and storms caused damage to the public infrastructure amounting to one million euros. The Ettendorf country road, which was partially washed out, is still only passable in one lane. "We had to wait for the winter here, but the repair work should start as soon as possible," says Mayor Wolfgang Gallant. The partially torn away road up the Lamprechtsberg, a heavily frequented connection where there have also been massive landslides, was completely renovated: "Work was carried out quickly here."

The massive rainfall caused the slope to slide. We thought the whole forest would come down with it.

Familie Lettner

Many private homes are still struggling with the aftermath of the storms. The damage to a farmer in Rabensteingreuth is particularly extensive. Gallant: "His and other farmers' slopes are still moving, the damage is horrendous."

Cracks forming steps on the slope belonging to Jörg Lettner's family on the Magdalensberg near Lavamünd.

(Bild: Gerlinde Schager)

The "Krone" visited Jörg Lettner's family on the Magdalensberg. "The whole slope has come down for us." The former Elbachweg, which was a popular footpath to Lavamünd, is gone! On the slope above, there are landslides and many cracks that look like steps. There is a large gaping hole under the family's barn: "It's a miracle that our barn is still standing."