Flood chaos in Matzleinsdorf: Damage and future visions

Flood chaos in Matzleinsdorf: Damage and future visions

In the municipality of Zelking-Matzleinsdorf, massive flood has caused considerable damage, and the situation remains tense. Hundreds of residents were denied access to their houses, and the Matzleinsdorf volunteer fire brigade was also affected. The mayor Gerhard Bürg was concerned: "It is a disaster that we didn't have yet." Currently over 200 houses are affected in the entire community, and over 40 people had to be evacuated from their houses.

Preparations for flood protection in the region began in 2009, shortly after an earlier flood event. According to the municipality, a flood drain study was carried out by Geoconsult Vienna in 2010, followed by a tender for the development of a flood protection project in cooperation with the state of Lower Austria. But despite the intensive planning, the implementation steps have been delayed, which is due to several factors.

dispute over real estate

The delays were recently identified as a problem by an anonymous note: an important area of only 15 square meters that is required for the protection project failed due to disputed ownership. "The landowner should have been expropriated," said the claim from the municipality's surroundings. Mayor Bürg tries to stay diplomatic and plan to have discussions with the families affected again.

he emphasizes that the focus is on the urgent damage to damage and limitation and acute aid for those affected. Against the background of a disaster that has already occurred, these steps are considered necessary, and the mayor has the fate of his fellow citizens in mind.

look into the future and renaturation

Walter Handl, a former municipal council of the SPÖ, sees the situation more critically. In his eyes, the rescue of the Melk, which has largely lost its natural flow and now looks like a channel, is crucial. He has warned of possible floods for a long time and demands that renaturation measures be taken in good time. According to Handl, the concrete of the river bed caused the water to flow at high speed - a factor that contributed to the destruction.

A realistic view of the problems is considered necessary. Handl proposes to consult a mediator of the country in order to make negotiations with the landowners objectively and constructively. "Put your head in the sand does not bring anything. The climate crisis is real and the disasters are becoming more common," said Handl. The separations within the community are in direct connection with the need to take every possible measure to prevent future floods.