20 years of the flood of the century: massive expansion of flood protection
environment
In the past 20 years, a total of 250 million euros has been invested in flood protection in Salzburg. The state drew this balance on the occasion of the great flood event in August 2002. The flood of 2002 was the initial impetus for investing in protective structures in Salzburg.
In the past 20 years, the federal government paid for the majority of the flood protection measures, the rest was taken over by the state of Salzburg, the municipalities and water cooperatives. In August 2002, the excursion boat Amadeus sank in the torrential floods of the Salzach. If the water level had been just a few centimeters higher, the old town of Salzburg would have been flooded as well.
2002: Water mass traffic Thalgau, Hallein, Saalfelden
However, the water masses hit the municipalities of Thalgau (Flachgau), Hallein, Golling, Scheffau (all Tennengau) and Saalfelden (Pinzgau) with full force. Two people died in the floods. Since then, millions have flowed into flood protection.
Pictures of the flood of the century of 2002:
36 communities particularly at risk
36 municipalities are considered endangered in Salzburg, two thirds of which are prepared for a 100-year flood, but the other municipalities should also be protected, says the regional councilor responsible for water management, Josef Schwaiger (ÖVP): In 13 municipalities, the majority of them in northern Flachgau, we still have a lot to secure. Planning is already underway in Seekirchen and Neumarkt. We have to make sure that we complete the planning and start implementing it.” Despite the flood protection structures, there is always a residual risk.