Flood in Carinthia: a footbridge threatens to collapse

Dramatic use in bulk. Driftwood is made to take. The bridge threatened to collapse.

VILLACH. The precarious flood situation this afternoon has not been relieved in much of Carinthia, including Villach District. Hurricanes and huge bodies of water have today a dramatic effect on the Unterschütt. A pedestrian bridge over the Gail threatened to collapse. The main fire station and the FF Judendorf tried, with the help of rescue by water, to solve the problem of agglomeration.

Immediate action

Andreas Stroitz, commander of the Villach-Stadt district fire brigade and head of civil defense, explains: "Due to the high flow of driftwood between the supports of the bridge, the pressure is enormous. had to act immediately. "

Elongated trunks between the columns

20 men from the FF Judendorf tried to remove the trunks with a Unimog and a winch. "Several trunks 70, 80 cm in diameter crossed between two supports.The water is still extremely fast.The FF men are trying to remove the trunks with a winch," said Mayor Günther Albel.

Dramatic situation

The situation is considered dramatic, especially as the number of driftwood catches in the trunks increases, which further increases the pressure on the bridge pillars. "The Gail still carries 500 cubic meters of water, the Drau still rips with 1,000 cubic meters," Andreas Stroitz said.

Thanks to all the forces

By the end of the afternoon, FF men and water rescuers were still in use. "I thank all the helpers and volunteers for their tireless efforts and perseverance," said Mayor Albel.

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