A Rapid Assessment of the Economic Impact of the Central European Flood 2024 on Austria

Between 14 and 21 September, Storm Boris brought heavy rain and flooding to Central Europe. Such extreme weather events will become more frequent and, above all, more intense as a result of climate change. It is therefore important to develop methods to rapidly assess the economic impact in order to tailor measures to mitigate losses. This Research Brief estimates the economic losses to be around 1.3 billion €. This includes private households, damaged inventories and capital stocks, and interruptions of firms' operations. Infrastructure is not included, however. Austria appeared to be relatively well prepared. Despite the magnitude of the flood, more severe economic damage was prevented. Nevertheless, the current compensation model can be improved.