Drones to assess further rockfall risk near Längenfeld

Authorities will use drones on Monday to examine the area affected by a rockfall in Längenfeld, Tyrol, ORF reported. They will check whether more rocks are unstable and whether protective measures are needed.

Several tonnes of rock fell downhill through steep, wooded terrain on Friday before coming to a stop on a pasture. No one was injured, and Längenfeld Mayor Richard Grüner said no further material had fallen afterwards.

The affected area is known as a danger zone and has been closed to people and livestock for the time being. Monday’s assessment will determine how serious the continuing risk above the settlement is and whether further measures are necessary.

Vanessa Schmidt, a resident of the Au district, said she was cooking with her children when she heard a loud rumbling. She went to the window and filmed the rockfall from her balcony.

Schmidt said the incident was frightening. She avoids walking in that direction because rocks have fallen there several times before. The mayor also said there had been repeated rockfalls in recent years, although none on this scale.