The government issued a mobile phone alert, known as “AT-alert” to all mobile phone on local service networks. | Image: Land Tirol
Heavy storms unleashed flash flooding and a major landslide in the Ötztal Alps on Wednesday night, July 29, prompting authorities to issue Austria’s highest level of public warning for Sölden. Sölden is one of the Europe’s best-known ski destinations and home to alpine skiing’s FIS World Cup’s season-opener.
As torrential rain battered the valley, Tyrol authorities activated an AT-Alert emergency warning for everyone with a mobile phone connected to local networks while the municipality simultaneously triggered a civil protection alarm. Residents and visitors were instructed to remain inside, move to upper floors, and avoid basements, underground garages, rivers, bridges, and underpasses as floodwaters rapidly rose. An emergency shelter was opened at the Freizeitarena Sölden as emergency services responded across the valley.
The warning remained in effect for several hours before authorities announced just before midnight that the immediate danger had eased. “The AT-Alert and civil protection alarm have been lifted,” the State of Tyrol said in an update issued at 11:45 p.m. local time. “Cleaning work is underway. It remains important to follow the instructions of authorities and emergency services.”
Although the emergency alert has ended, the impacts continue. A landslide buried part of the L16 Pitztalstraße near Plangeross, cutting one of the main access roads into the Pitztal Valley. Officials said the road would remain closed until at least Thursday morning, July 30, while crews assess damage and clear debris.
The storms struck during the summer holiday period in Europe, with the resort flooded with thousands of hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers.
No injuries or fatalities had been reported as of Thursday morning. However, Tyrol government officials continue to urge residents and visitors to exercise caution, avoid affected areas, and monitor official updates as cleanup operations continue.
The dramatic scenes are the latest reminder of how increasingly fragile the European Alps are becoming amidst the intense summer weather sweeping across Europe.
The fire department spent hours pumping flooded basements and garages in Sölden . | Image: Feuerwehr Sölden