The Austrian army has been in the avalanche assistance mission in the Alps since Thursday. Agusta Bell 212 and Alouette III helicopters are also used. Reconnaissance and transport flights are also carried out.

The avalanche detonation in Styria was carried out by the crew of three (pilot, on-board technician and avalanche detonation officer), who, after checking the so-called avalanche lines, flew to a detonation point. The blast was carried out with industrial explosives, which are dropped from the helicopter in packages of around five kilograms each. The explosion pressure then triggers potential avalanches in a targeted manner. For safety reasons, lift operation is restricted during the blasting. Since yesterday, an Agusta Bell 212 transport helicopter has been stationed at the helicopter base in Vomp and in the Walgau barracks. Over the weekend, aircraft are available on an alert basis after assistance requests from the states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg.

During the winter three helicopters including crew, an Alouette III, an S-70 Black Hawk and an Agusta Bell 212 are available on request. These provide support when transporting the deployed forces to rough terrain, when rescuing people or transporting necessary goods, and when exploring slopes at risk of avalanches. Until the beginning of April 2022, the army will be ready to fight the snow masses.

 “The current tense avalanche situation in Austria shows how important military support is, not only on land but also in the air. Natural disasters require, among other things, the help of our armed forces. Our soldiers are deployed when civilian helpers alone are no longer sufficient. The military helps to prevent an emergency, for example an avalanche, and thus to ensure the safety of all citizens. Due to the many years of experience and expertise in disaster operations, our army is the right contact when it comes to protecting and helping the population," said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.