Heavy rains triggered severe flooding and landslides in parts of Austria’s Salzburg and Tyrol regions on Thursday, according to multiple local reports. The disaster led to the collapse of bridges and widespread damage to infrastructure, with emergency services responding to numerous incidents across both states. In some areas, entire towns were affected, with water rushing through streets and submerging basements. No injuries were reported, though property damage was extensive. The storm system brought intense rainfall and strong winds, leading to flash floods and landslides. In Salzburg, the worst-hit communities included Stuhlfelden, Uttendorf, Hollersbach, and Saalfelden. In Uttendorf, the Tobersbach river overflowed its banks, flooding parts of the village and washing away roads. Firefighters from 32 units were deployed throughout the region, handling over 79 calls. The situation worsened in the afternoon as thunderstorms hit the Pinzgau and Pongau districts. In the Gasteinertal area, two landslides occurred near Dorfgastein and Bad Gastein, forcing emergency crews into action. Meanwhile, in Goldegg, a forest fire sparked by lightning forced firefighters to respond. As the storms moved toward Salzburg city and the northern Flachgau, additional calls came in, with 13 incidents recorded in the city and 14 in the Flachgau. The weather conditions continued to deteriorate, prompting further concern among residents and authorities. In Tyrol, similar conditions unfolded, with localized mudslides and minor flooding reported. The Zillertal valley saw several landslides, including one in the Marchklamm near Finkenberg, which blocked access to a mountain hut. Emergency personnel had to clear paths in Tux and Ginzling, while road closures were reported in Brandberg due to mud accumulation. In Innsbruck, firefighters responded to flooded basements in the city center, as well as in the neighborhoods of Reichenau and the Olympic Village. Similar issues were noted in Wattens and Kolsass within the Innsbruck-Land district, and in parts of Kitzbühel. Geosphere Austria issued an orange weather warning for the eastern part of Tyrol, predicting heavy rain and strong gusts. The alert covered areas east of Innsbruck, with up to 90 liters of rain per square meter forecasted. Wind speeds reached up to 80 kilometers per hour, driven by a cold front moving in from the northwest. Local officials confirmed that the storm activity intensified during the late afternoon, increasing the risk of further incidents. Authorities have begun assessing the extent of the damage, particularly in areas where roads were washed away and buildings were submerged. While there has been no mention of casualties, the economic impact is expected to be significant. Infrastructure repairs will likely take weeks, and some communities may face long-term challenges in rebuilding. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation, with plans to conduct more detailed inspections in the coming days. The focus remains on ensuring public safety and preventing future incidents through improved flood defenses and early warning systems.
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