Severe flooding in Austria highlights need for nature-based solutions
Heavy rainfall in the south of Burgenland and Styria caused severe damage on the weekend of June 8/9. Affected areas are located in the immediate proximity of the Lafnitz catchment area - the Austrian Frontrunning Region. The events emphasize the urgent need for nature-based solutions alongside technical flood protection to mitigate such disasters.
During the night of June 9th, more than 150 liters of rain per square meter fell within an hour in some places. The swollen rivers inundated towns causing widespread damage. Houses became inaccessible, people were evacuated, cars were swept through streets and a highway was displaced by a mudslide. Since then, local residents supported by the army, fire department, and volunteers, have been working tirelessly on clean-up efforts.
While individual extreme events like this one cannot be directly attributed to a specific cause, climate change is clearly increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, storms, and heat. This leads to heavier rainfall, stronger storms, hotter heatwaves and drier droughts.
To mitigate the effects, measures that improve natural water retention in the landscape play a critical role. This is why the LAND4CLIMATE project will foster nature-based solutions in the Lafnitz catchment area. At the moment preparatory work is underway to implement greened flow paths, hedgerow structures, riparian buffer strips and river widening areas. Embracing these solutions is key to enhance climate resilience in our landscapes.
This article was written by LAND4CLIMATE consortium partners The State of Burgenland, The State of Styria and University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences.
Publishing date: