River "not defused"

First houses flooded, people evacuated

(Bild: x.com/VulkanV)

Due to the masses of rain, the Vienna River has burst its banks in some places. After flooding houses on Sunday morning, the water also reached the tracks of the U4 underground line. Trouble on the roads too: The Westautobahn in Vienna was closed and the A23 was partially flooded.

The Vienna River had already reached a level of 2.26 meters in the area of the Kennedy Bridge on Sunday morning. At the same time the day before, it had been 50 centimeters. 

Further evacuations not ruled out
Initially, the Wien River in Penzing overflowed its banks in the Ludwiggasse area and flooded houses. Some buildings can only be reached by boat. According to the professional fire department, people were evacuated in the early hours of the morning.

Westautobahn closed, A23 partly flooded
The entrance and exit of the Westautobahn in the area of Hütteldorfer Brücke to Deutschordenstraße were closed until further notice. Areas of the south-east bypass (A23) were also partially flooded.

"Vienna River now flows unchecked into the city center"
The spokesperson for MA 45 (Vienna Waterways) explained that the catch basins for the Wienfluss were full. These are located in the Auhof area and are intended to absorb water masses that flow from the surrounding area towards the city. "The Wien River is now flowing unchecked into the city center," explained Thomas Kozuh-Schneeberger.

A view of the Wien River on Sunday

(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

Here the Vienna River flows into the Danube Canal.

(Bild: Stefan Steinkogler)

The Vienna River rushes unchecked through the city center.

(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

In the afternoon, the all-clear was given for the time being. However, it is not foreseeable whether there will be further evacuations: "We are in close contact with the fire department." According to eyewitnesses, the quay near the Wien River at Hütteldorf was closed.

Flooding in the Ludwiggasse in Penzing

(Bild: GEORG HOCHMUTH)

According to Gerald Schimpf, spokesman for the Vienna professional fire department, "a handful of houses" located directly on the Wien River were evacuated. Most of the people living there had found private accommodation. It is not very likely that they will be able to return to their homes soon, Schimpf told APA: "It is not to be expected that the water will recede."

Roads in Penzing partly one meter under water
In the outermost part of Penzing, in Hadersdorf-Weidlingau, several streets were up to one meter under water. Fire department divers from the City of Vienna were positioned at the Vienna-Weidlingau S-Bahn station on Sunday morning - in case people had to be evacuated from the houses along the Wien River.

In three districts of Vienna - namely in parts of Penzing, Landstraße and Donaustadt - the power supply was interrupted on Sunday morning. This was announced by Wiener Netze. "We are continuing to work on rectifying the situation in order to restore the supply quickly", the energy supplier's website stated.

Subway operations considerably restricted
The scenario also had consequences for public transport. Wiener Linien had to significantly restrict its subway services. 

Emergency services carrying out protective measures on the U4 at Pilgramgasse

(Bild: APA/WIENER LINIEN)

Lines are protected with dam beams and sandbags
The endangered subway lines were protected from the ingressing water with dam beams and sandbags. Subway services had to be partially suspended. In addition, the tunnel excavation work at the U2-Pilgramgasse construction site had to be stopped due to the critical water level. All workers left the construction site in an orderly fashion. "The impact of the flooding on other Wiener Linien construction sites is not yet foreseeable. However, further effects are to be expected," said Andrea Zefferer, spokesperson for Wiener Linien.

Concerts take place - displeasure on social media
There is uproar on social media, as concerts, for example in the Wiener Stadthalle, have not been canceled. Although the City of Vienna also advises people to avoid "unnecessary journeys" and only spend short periods of time in public spaces. There were outraged reactions to the announcement of the performance by German musician Peter Fox. "How are you supposed to arrive and depart safely in these conditions?" asks one Facebook user. Others explain that they are not attending because of the risk. The general consensus is that holding the concert is irresponsible. 

According to the spokesperson, the situation on the Danube and the New Danube - which acts as a relief channel - and on the Danube Canal is under control. Although areas of the New Danube are flooded, this is the way it should be during flood events. According to the spokesperson, the situation on the Liesingbach in the south of the city was also not yet problematic.

Vienna's cab drivers prepare for heavy days
Cab companies are expecting a significant increase in demand for cabs due to the weather conditions. According to Eveline Hruza, Secretary General of Taxi 40100, demand will increase due to the intermittent cancellation of some public transport services, road closures and storm damage. There may be longer waiting times in the short term. Customers who have to attend work appointments in particular should expect longer journey times when ordering.