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.

Climate change extreme heat
Credit: Marc A. Hermann/Metropolitan Transportation Authority

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