Multiple mudslides triggered after storms in Tyrolean Sölden, AT-Alert activated

According to the authorities, the area around the Rofenhöfe in the Ötztal valley was particularly affected. The Ötztaler Ache, an important mountain river in the region, overflowed its banks and carried additional water and debris into the valley. The municipality of Sölden is one of Austria's best-known winter sports resorts.

Affected areas and damage

Local media reported significant damage to infrastructure and buildings. Rescue teams and fire brigades were deployed to reach affected households and clear roads. According to the responsible authorities, the weather situation remained tense, and further precipitation could further aggravate the situation.

Residents were urged to avoid lower-lying areas and stream courses. The authorities set up emergency shelters and provided information through official channels. The locality of Vent, a small fraction of the municipality of Sölden, was also affected by the mudslides.

Measures by the emergency services

State spokesperson Ernst Schöpf referred to the ongoing situation assessment by the State of Tyrol. According to his information, coordination between the state, the municipality, and the emergency organizations was running at full speed. Weather services expected a further tense phase.

The storms hit a region that had already been repeatedly affected by mudslides in recent years. Geologists had previously pointed to the particular hazard in steep locations in the Ötztal. According to initial measurements, the current precipitation significantly exceeded usual values.

Background: Repeated storms in the Ötztal

Federal authorities offered support; the State of Tyrol coordinated the relief efforts. According to initial assessments, the cleanup work is expected to take several days. An exact balance of the damage was not yet available.