Flood in Lower Austria: Support for affected companies on the way

Flood in Lower Austria: Support for affected companies on the way

In the past few weeks, the flood in Lower Austria has caused devastating damage. Over 1,000 companies are affected and the estimated costs amount to several hundred million euros. This situation not only disturbed the production processes, but also damaged company equipment and caused further failures due to supply chain problems.

In order to counter the situation, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Wolfgang Ecker, President of the Chamber of Commerce in Lower Austria (WKNÖ), visited several affected companies. Her goal was to get an idea of the damage and offer support. For the future of the companies concerned, it is crucial to stand by concrete perspectives and help offers.

Financial support and advisory services

With the "Restart 2024" program, the WKNÖ and UBIT Lower Austria have launched a consulting initiative that is specifically geared towards the financial and organizational needs of the members concerned. In response to the disaster, financial support was significantly increased. "We help where we can," emphasizes Ecker. The WKNÖ's support fund, in cooperation with the Austria Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) and the Social Insurance Institute of the Self -Employed (SVS), was doubled to a maximum of 40,000 euros per damage. The financial aid is now 20 percent of the damage incurred, a total of 30 million euros are provided.

"The elimination of the flood damage remains a central topic for the coming weeks and months," added Mikl-Leitner. She made it clear that support for the companies must be the focus so that the work can be resumed quickly. "This way we can give many companies and their employees a perspective after the existential damage," she said.

The affected companies also include those such as Erwin Edtbrustner GmbH in Loosdorf, where Managing Director Simon Edtbrustner reports about painful losses, but still hopes for the help of the federal government, the state and the WKNÖ. "I only hope that the handling takes place as quickly as the offer of help is for us," says Edtbrustner optimistically.

Another affected company, Wiesbauer Gourmet Gastro GmbH in Sitzenberg-Reidling, also recorded considerable losses. Managing Director Ernst Stocker also sees the situation as an opportunity to draw teaching for the future. "I am glad that such a network is available to us. Insurance alone cannot cover the damage," says Stocker.

"The flood disaster has hit many companies hard. In this difficult time it shows what wood we are carved from. We can be proud of Lower Austria," said Mikl-Leitner and Ecker together. It remains to be seen how quickly the companies can recover from these setbacks, while at the same time the necessary protective measures are discussed for the future.