Storms and heavy rain hit overnight, 28 to 29 June 2022, affecting areas of the state of Carinthia (Kärnten) in the south of Austria, in particular the districts of Feldkirchen and Villach-Land.

Austria’s Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) said the city of Villach recorded 118 mm of rain in 3 to 4 hours, which is more than seen for an average June month. Arriach in Villach-Land record 97 mm of rain in 3 hours. Both are record high amounts.

"Statistically speaking, one can speak of an event that is to be expected approximately every 100 years," says ZAMG meteorologist Gerhard Hohenwarter.  Strong winds with gusts of 128 km/h were also reported.

The heavy rain caused rivers and streams to break their banks, resulting in floods and mudslides in the municipalities of Laastadt, Treffen am Ossiacher See and Arriach.

Authorities requested residents to stay in their homes where necessary. Schools were closed in 5 locations, the state government said. Dozens of homes were flooded, and evacuations carried out. Damage to power infrastructure left thousands of households without electricity.

Floods and debris flows blocked roads across the affected area and cut all road access to Arriach. Police and army helicopters were deployed to the area to help with rescues and relief operations. 

Police reported one person died in a mudslide in Treffen am Ossiacher See. Another person was reported missing but was later found safe.