After the 2022 storm
Carinthian community as an ambassador for cohesion
No storm has ever caused as much destruction in Carinthia as the one in Treffen. Even two years later, the traces are still omnipresent. However, the cohesion of the people after the disaster even became the central message at the World Climate Conference.
The year 2023 was the hottest year in history, in February 2024 not a single day of frost was recorded in some regions of Austria and spring is already on course to break records: global warming is noticeable. On the one hand through milder temperatures - on the other hand, however, through increasingly frequent and severe "weather events".
The destructive side of climate change was dramatically felt by the citizens of Afritz and Treffen in the early hours of June 29, 2022. Three large thunderstorm cells had built up over the Gerlitzen and discharged directly over the mountain. The Afritzer and Pöllinger streams turned into raging torrents under the extreme rainfall. Within 15 minutes, the retention basin on the Pöllinger Bach, which had only been opened a few days earlier, was full.
Storm claimed lives
Unfortunately, the storm also claimed one life. An 82-year-old pensioner was swept away by a mudslide and unfortunately could only be rescued dead. Many houses, bridges and even a power station were destroyed. "When I think back to that night, the images that come to mind are still distressing and the thought of how great the destructive power of nature is if you don't take care of it well enough," said Klaus Glanznig, Mayor of Treffen. Some of the buildings were flooded up to the second floor. It was a 150-year flood.
Thousands of cubic meters of debris still need to be removed. The building yard, the soccer pitch and some bridges still have to be renewed. "But what still leaves me speechless and gives me a positive outlook for the future is that this wave of destruction has turned into a wave of willingness to help," says the head of the municipality.
Help from fire departments, the army and private individuals
After the disaster, for example, 4,500 men and women from the fire departments helped with the clean-up. In addition, many private individuals as well as members of the army and other organizations were deployed to the area. And those who didn't lend a hand donated - around 4.5 million euros in donations were received for those affected.
Donations still possible
And there are still people who need help today. That is why donations can still be made. An independent donation committee is responsible for distributing the funds. "The disaster and the willingness to help and the solidarity afterwards even prompted a message from our Federal President at the World Climate Conference," says Glanznig happily.
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