Risk:LOCAL

Identification of climate risks and development of local adaptation strategies for vulnerable population groups - case study Pinzgau

In the Risk:LOCAL project, a standardised method for analysing the climate risk from heavy rainfall was developed and applied in Pinzgau, with a particular focus on vulnerable population groups. The method, documented in a manual, supports municipalities throughout Austria in risk assessment and the selection of adaptation measures. In recent decades, heavy rainfall events have repeatedly caused considerable damage in Pinzgau - such as the ‘Bernd’ storm in 2021, which led to an almost overflowing dam, damaged infrastructure (e.g. Pinzgau railway) and total damage of around 54 million euros.

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Although the amounts of precipitation were not unusually high, analyses show the relevance of other influencing factors such as pre-humidity, snow line, soil sealing and topography. Climate models predict more frequent and more intense heavy rainfall events in the future, combined with an increased risk of flooding - especially as more precipitation falls than rain. The hazard will therefore increase, while exposure will remain at a high level due to construction activity, according to data analyses. An increasing hazard with constant exposure and vulnerability increases the overall risk.

Workshops identified specific vulnerability factors, such as a lack of protective measures, a lack of evacuation infrastructure and health restrictions for those affected. Three scenarios - blocked transport routes, evacuations and blackouts - were analysed and measures developed, such as emergency boxes, training for emergency services and emergency power supplies. The results were incorporated into a factsheet, discussed further in Pinzgau and partially integrated into the regional KLAR! programme.

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