The Austrian Armed Forces has been on Sunday morning in Styria and Burgenland on an assistance mission (-> current reports from assistance operations), this afternoon the deployed forces were increased by a further 130 soldiers.
The additional reinforcements arriving today come from the Burgenland Jäger Battalion 19, which is stationed in Güssing. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner visits the assistant soldiers in Hartberg and Oberwart to get an idea of the current operational situation. The soldiers are helping to clear flood blockages in bodies of water and are assisting with clean-up operations. The reinforcements were recalled from the “Schutzschild 2024” exercise currently taking place and deployed to Burgenland. https://militaeraktuell.at/mercedes-zetros-mit-geschuetzter-fahrerkabine-ab-werk/ Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “The protection and well-being of our population is our top priority – this is also demonstrated by the rapid deployment of the Austrian Armed Forces. The simultaneous coordination of the ‘Schutzschild 2024’ exercise and the disaster operation makes it clear that the Armed Forces are ready for action anywhere and at any time. This seamless cooperation demonstrates the professionalism of our soldiers, both in exercises and in real operations. I wish the affected population all the best and much strength in these difficult times.”
Help with blockages, buried cellars and bridge construction
The severe storms over the past few days have caused considerable damage: flooding, landslides and storm damage have destroyed both infrastructure and private property. With today’s reinforcements, a total of 294 soldiers are currently on assistance duty – 259 in Burgenland and 35 in Styria. They are clearing blockages, removing mud and water from cellars and helping with reconstruction work. Pioneers build a bridge in the Styrian municipality of Grafendorf near Hartberg.
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