A conference on natural hazards in Öblarn, Styria

From September 30th to October 2nd, the Styrian community of Öblarn was dominated by the ASDR Naturgefahrentagung (Natural Hazard Conference), organized by the KLAR Future Region Ennstal, ZAMG, the community of Öblarn, the Styrian Civil Protection Association, and the Province of Styria.

During these three exciting days, researchers, practitioners, and experts from communities contributed experiences and innovations in disaster management, especially in the case of natural hazards. How to deal with and what to learn from past events, such as in Öblarn itself (2017), but also in Ramsau (avalanche 2019) or, most recently, the flood events in 2021, were discussed. In this context, the use of new technologies such as drones was also part of the discussions. Another highlight was the poster presentation of KLAR projects from various Austrian municipalities.

At this event, the DCNA was able to make several different contributions: With a stand, we informed communities and institutions about the services of the DCNA. In addition, DCNA employee Hannes Kern delivered a lecture on risk and crisis communication on Friday, in which he emphasized the importance of fast, clear, and truthful communication.

This lecture was supplemented on Saturday by a workshop on crisis communication at the local level by René Kastner, Susanna Wernhart, and Isabel Anger. This started with short keynote speeches on crisis communication, experiences at the local level with input from Öblarn Mayor Franz Zach, social media, and special forms of crisis communication. Afterward, the participants exchanged ideas in small groups on four different topics, shared experiences, and developed ideas.

In the end, the workshop particularly benefited from the high level of competence and strong motivation of the participants.

After the long, Covid-19-related rest period, it was refreshing and inspiring to meet and work with so many dedicated people who work for the same goal.