First assessment of the flood operations in Lower Austria

Currently, 600 soldiers are involved in the severe flooding in Lower Austria. They are supporting civilian emergency services, evacuating people in need, and assisting with cleanup operations. Another 330 soldiers are on standby in Lower Austria, with an additional 1,200 available throughout Austria. So far, 300 tons of sandbags and Big Bags have been transported by helicopters and the transport aircraft C-130 - the air force urgently asks the population to refrain from using private drones in flood areas, as they pose a safety risk to helicopters and aircraft.

Rescue of People

The top priority of the emergency services is the evacuation and rescue of people. So far, 30 people in distress have been safely evacuated by helicopters using winching operations. Many others have been evacuated from flood areas using boats and off-road vehicles. The Armed Forces also supported the emergency services in sealing broken dams and reinforcing weakened ones. Blockages in the Pielach Valley, Sieghartskirchen, and Traiskirchen have also been and are being cleared.

Drones in the Disaster Area

The Air Force of the Armed Forces urgently asks the population to refrain from using private drones - even at low altitudes - in flood areas. These drones pose a safety risk to helicopters and aircraft. Civilian drones can significantly impede rescue and recovery operations in all flight phases. They can distract pilots from rescue operations or, in the worst case scenario, cause collisions.

For all information on ongoing operations, please visit the News ticker of the Armed Forces