Video shows floods

Disaster fund in Tyrol: Who is now eligible

Massive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Even cars were swept away by the floods.

(Bild: zVg)

Cars swept away by the floods (video above), mudslides, cellars and garages under water: after the storms in St. Anton, the province of Tyrol quickly promised help from the disaster fund. But who can count on it and who can't? The "Krone" asked and clarifies. An insurance expert also explains what to look out for in contracts.

St. Anton am Arlberg is still cleaning up after the heavy storms at the weekend. The Austrian Armed Forces have also been providing assistance in the region since Wednesday morning. 50 soldiers from Staff Battalion 6 from Innsbruck and Absam arrived. The aim is to support and relieve the countless volunteers and helpers.

Massive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Even cars were swept away by the floods.

(Bild: zVg)

"This assistance mission by our soldiers shows once again that the Austrian population can always rely on the Austrian Armed Forces," emphasized Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP).

Arlberg community in a state of emergency
Mudslides and downright flash floods had put the Arlberg community in a state of emergency on Friday evening, as the video above shows once again. The clean-up and repair work will continue for days or even weeks.

This assistance mission by our soldiers shows once again that the Austrian population can always rely on the Austrian Armed Forces.

Verteidigungsministerin Klaudia Tanner

The extent of the damage is enormous and cannot yet be quantified. However, as reported, Tyrol's Governor Anton Mattle and LR Astrid Mair (both ÖVP) had promised the population help from the disaster fund. But how will those affected get the money and will each individual be supported?

The "Tiroler Krone" has researched the facts.

Reasonably insurable damage is not taken into account
The press office in the provincial parliament states that "damage that is reasonably insurable or for which public funding is offered towards the insurance premiums cannot be taken into account". There must also be an emergency situation. "This means that repairing the damage would be impossible without financial assistance or would only be possible with severe impairment of the continued existence."

The fact that there must be an emergency situation means that it would be impossible to remedy the damage without financial assistance or that it would only be possible to do so if it seriously impaired the continued existence of the applicant.

Ein Pressesprecher im Landhaus

Another reason why an application can be rejected is if you are not one of the eligible applicants. According to the state, large companies or foundations, for example, are not eligible. In principle, only natural persons or legal entities can be supported, but not regional authorities.

Deadline of six months, evidence is mandatory
Important for those who are entitled to support: "An application must be submitted to the Office of the Tyrolean Provincial Government within six months of the damage occurring. This must also include photographic documentation and damage reports."

St. Anton is being cleaned up after the storms. Since yesterday, Tuesday, 50 soldiers have also been deployed.

(Bild: Christian Forcher/Fotoworxx)

Roads all over the village have been mired.

(Bild: Christian Forcher/Fotoworxx)

Numerous fire departments and helpers are in action.

(Bild: Christian Forcher/Fotoworxx)

According to the state, there is no maximum sum for those affected. "The amount depends on the specific damage event. The aid is based on the costs incurred to restore the original condition." In most cases, 50 percent is covered. "In cases of particular hardship, up to 80 percent can also be covered."

"Applications are processed as quickly as possible"
 Those affected must submit their application using a form on the state's website. It is not possible to say how long it will take for the money to arrive in the account. "The responsible funding agency endeavors to process all applications as quickly as possible," it says. When asked how much money the state's disaster fund contains per year, it is stated that "the exact amount depends on how much is expected to be paid out in a given year. Funds can be topped up during the year."

This year, "a low double-digit million amount has been paid out to date".

Versicherungsexperte klärt auf

Worauf bei den Verträgen zu achten ist

Am I sufficiently protected by my insurance in the event of storm damage? Several Tyroleans are currently asking themselves this question. Manfred Gutwenger, Head of the Key Account department at Tiroler Versicherung, explains.

He says that "certain storm damage is already covered in a classic household or building insurance policy without special additional agreements. This includes damage caused by storms (from a wind speed of 60 km/h), hail, snow pressure (due to accumulated snow or ice masses), rockfall, falling rocks and landslides. The insurance covers the entire contents of the policyholder's home and those of family members living in the household. Buildings insurance covers the building itself".

In a classic policy, certain storm damage is already covered - such as storm, hail and rockfall.

Manfred Gutwenger

Bild: Atelier Hohlrieder

"Premium for other hazards mandatory"
To insure against other natural hazards, an additional premium is mandatory. "This is the classic natural catastrophe cover", emphasizes Gutwenger, "this includes damage caused by flooding, exceptional weather precipitation, sewer backups or the overflowing of watercourses. Damage caused by mudslides, i.e. mass movements of earth and mud due to the effects of water, can also be insured. Avalanche damage, including air pressure caused by avalanches, can also be insured."

The expert advises a comprehensive package against storm damage, "storm insurance should definitely be included".

For customers of Tiroler Versicherung, he also recommends "Help Alpin" insurance against flooding, high water, mudslides, avalanches and sewer backups, depending on requirements.