Austrian Armed Forces begin evacuation in Kaunertal with two helicopters

Helicopters in continuous use under difficult conditions

Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner stressed the urgency of the situation: "When people are in distress, every minute counts." In a further statement, she explicitly thanked the soldiers involved. "I am very grateful to our soldiers for doing everything in their power, even under difficult weather conditions, to bring people to safety."

Even before the mudslides in the Kaunertal, the Air Force had been in demand in Tyrol. Operations had also become necessary in the Haiming area. The exact extent of the damage and the cleanup work in the affected valleys are still being assessed by the authorities.

Prior operations in Haiming

The Tyrolean provincial warning centre and other emergency organisations are working closely with the Austrian Armed Forces. In addition to the helicopters, ground teams are also being deployed to assess the situation on the ground and coordinate the evacuation of the stranded people. According to the Ministry, the focus is on rescuing people in acute distress.

In Feichten and in the area of the glacier restaurant at the end of the valley, numerous people are stuck. The access roads are blocked by mudslides, which is why the air route is the only option for a swift rescue. The helicopters must operate between the valleys under partly adverse conditions.

Feichten and glacier restaurant as focal points

The Burgenland Provincial Security Centre was also informed, as cross-regional support forces could be called in. The Ministry of Defence announced that the evacuation flights would continue for as long as necessary. Initial medical care for those affected is also being prepared.

The storms in Tyrol have led to flooding and mudflows in several municipalities. In the Kaunertal, the situation was described by emergency services as particularly tense, as residents and guests had been cut off from the outside world in some cases since Sunday. With the start of the evacuation on Monday, the supply situation is to be ensured.

Further support and warnings

The Austrian Armed Forces pointed out that weather developments are being monitored continuously. Should the situation worsen, additional helicopters and ground units could be called in. Cooperation with civilian rescue organisations is also in full swing.

Residents and those affected were urged via the Tyrolean provincial warning centre to follow the instructions of the emergency services and not to enter the disaster zone on their own initiative. Emergency calls should only be made for acute emergencies in order to keep the lines free for operational coordination.