Vienna’s flood strategy minimized damage from Storm Boris

Vienna successfully avoided severe damage during Storm Boris thanks to a flood management system designed to handle extreme rainfall.

Sophie Hardach reports for the BBC.

In short:

Vienna experienced record rainfall, but its flood defences prevented widespread destruction.
The city’s system, including the Danube Island and New Danube channel, handled the water flow effectively, avoiding major flooding.
Despite some disruptions, such as subway damage, officials consider the flood prevention strategies a success.

Key quote:

“The damage we’ve avoided is far higher than the investment in flood protection. It's a success story.”

— Günter Blöschl, hydrologist

Why this matters:

With climate change increasing the frequency of severe storms, Vienna’s success offers a model for other cities to bolster their flood resilience. Investments in infrastructure and preparation can save lives and reduce future economic losses.

www.bbc.com

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