Shock runs deep

Storm victims need psychological support

A persistent thunderstorm cell caused enormous damage in Baldramsdorf.(Bild: Elisa Aschbacher)

The recent storm left a trail of devastation in Baldramsdorf. The clean-up work is now underway. The shock among residents runs deep. 

The recent storm left a trail of devastation in Baldramsdorf. As reported, houses were damaged by trees and mudslides and roads were buried. Those affected fought tearfully against the masses of mud in their completely devastated gardens. "This is not the first time our village has been hit. 41 years ago, a mudslide killed my mother, a child and neighbors," recalls Waltraud Gaggl, who is helping her sister clean up. "Those affected in Schüttbach who lost their loved ones in a storm in 1983 have to be looked after by the crisis intervention team," says Mayor Friedrich Paulitsch.

Road closure in place
The clean-up work is now underway. Retention basins have to be cleared. "We're talking about hundreds of truck journeys here!" The Baldramsdorfer Landesstraße will be closed for another two weeks. "Until then, we can only be reached via Lendorf. Only emergency services can reach us from the Spittal side," continued the mayor. The Goldeck cable car is also closed, as fallen trees have damaged pillars and masts. The tourism department is making every effort to reopen it as quickly as possible. 

Over the next few days, the full retention basins will also be shoveled free. "We're talking about hundreds of truckloads here!"