Styria government plans measures to withstand extreme heat

The Styrian state government discussed preparations for extreme heat and its consequences at a heat protection summit on Thursday, ORF reported. The meeting focused on measures already in place and steps that may be needed in the future.

Persistent heat and dry conditions are putting pressure on people, animals and agriculture. In Vorau, in the Hartberg-Fürstenfeld district, residents have been asked to save water. Washing cars and filling swimming pools are banned, and the municipality is considering shutting off the water supply.

The state government said drinking water and electricity supplies remain secure despite the current challenges. The expansion of wind power and photovoltaic generation by Energie Steiermark has meant that the roughly 30,000-kilometre electricity network has suffered no significant disruption this summer. A gas-fired power station in Mellach is also being used periodically at night to supplement supply.

The state plans measures to protect the public, emergency services and infrastructure, with a focus on educational institutions, healthcare, agriculture, the fire service and disaster management. The operational readiness of the fire service and disaster response must be maintained, it said.

Measures under consideration range from swimming courses before the summer holidays and investment in forest-fire response to cooling islands in municipalities. Governor Mario Kunasek of the FPÖ said new buildings should include cooling facilities, shade and appropriate green spaces.

Deputy Governor Manuela Khom of the ÖVP pointed to the Water Network 2050 project, which is intended to secure the supply of drinking water and ensure that residents can continue to receive reliable supplies of clean water during periods of extreme heat.