Experts seek ways to limit extreme weather damage

A conference in Ebersdorf is examining how to prepare for more frequent extreme weather and reduce damage, ORF reported. Around 150 experts are attending the ASDR natural hazards conference in the Hartberg-Fürstenfeld district of Styria.

The discussions focus on the effects of thunderstorms and heavy rain on forests, farmland and entire municipalities. Drought is also a key subject this year, alongside wildfires, floods and hurricane-force gusts.

“Eastern Styria is generally one of the regions in Central Europe most prone to thunderstorms,” said Andreas Schafferhauser of GeoSphere Austria. The region has long experienced severe storms with hail and strong winds, he said, but these are becoming more frequent and intense.

Participants include representatives from agriculture and forestry, municipalities, politics, science and education. The aim is to share expertise and practical knowledge, said Margit Schlagbauer of the Eco-Region Kaindorf.

A forest visit is planned for Friday. Storms destroyed numerous forests in the Hartberg area just over two years ago, and measures have since been taken to replant them. The conference will also visit humus-rich soils and agroforestry systems.

Florian Hechenblaikner of the Styrian Chamber of Agriculture said forestry advisers provide on-site consultations and support forest owners, helping transfer scientific knowledge into practice. Organisers hope lessons from eastern Styria will be shared across Austria.