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.
