This past weekend, Austria was struck by intense heavy rains and storms, leading to widespread flooding, mudslides, and significant disruptions to transportation across various regions.
In the picturesque ski resort town of St. Anton in Tyrol, heavy downpours on Friday evening inundated streets, damaged buildings, and swept away cars, according to Austrian broadcaster ORF. Local authorities are currently engaged in cleanup efforts as of Sunday.
Vienna, the capital city, experienced unprecedented rainfall on Saturday, recording a staggering 110 liters of rain per square meter—a record-breaking figure for summer precipitation, as reported by the Austrian newspaper Kurier. The severe floodwaters in Vienna's Doebling district led to a tragic incident where a woman was swept under a bus, sustaining severe injuries.
The relentless rains also caused major flight delays at Vienna Airport over the weekend. Additionally, rain-induced mudslides forced the closure of the Arlberg Pass, a crucial roadway connecting Tyrol and Vorarlberg, which remained closed to traffic on Sunday afternoon.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and working to restore normalcy, but the heavy rainfall continues to pose challenges for residents and commuters alike.
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Heavy rainfall causes flooding, traffic disruptions in Austria
cgtn.com
