Mühlendorf museum destroyed, 100 evacuated after multiple mudslides hit Gschnitztal valley, Tyrol, Austria
Severe thunderstorms triggered at least six mudslides in Gschnitz, Tyrol, Austria at around 18:00 local time (LT) on June 30, 2025, prompting the evacuation of over 100 people and causing extensive infrastructural damage. Follow-up landslides and evacuations continued through July 2, while local and military crews carry out major cleanup operations.
A mudslide covered homes and a street in the Gschnitztal valley in Tyrol, Austria on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Credit: BFV IBK-Land
A series of intense thunderstorms over the Wipptal region of Tyrol triggered multiple mudslides and debris flows in the Gschnitztal valley on June 30. Torrents of water, boulders, and mud swept down toward the village of Gschnitz, causing significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and cultural landmarks.
Local authorities issued a civil protection alert at 19:20 LT, advising residents to shelter in place and avoid basements, garages, and waterways, especially Gschnitzbach and Sandersbach. Emergency forces confirmed at least six large-scale slope failures during the evening.
Among the most affected areas was the Mühlendorf open-air museum, a cultural heritage site behind the Maria Schnee parish church. The museum was completely destroyed by the debris flow, with only the St. Joseph chapel remaining intact.
Between 20:00 and 21:10 LT, about 100 people, including hikers stranded in Bremerhütte, Innsbruckerhütte, and Tribulaunhütte, were evacuated by Austrian Armed Forces helicopters. Further evacuations continued into July 1 as weather permitted, including around 50 additional people from remote mountain huts.
No fatalities or injuries have been reported, although 15 to 20 houses were affected, some flooded with more than 1 m (3.2 feet) of mud. Entire road segments and forest tracks were blocked, and numerous hiking paths were rendered impassable.
Fire brigades from Lans, Hall, Wattens, and Wipptal, along with 40 Austrian Armed Forces soldiers, launched immediate cleanup efforts. Work included debris removal, stream rerouting, and water pumping. As of July 2, 70 firefighters and 16 vehicles remained on-site.
A second mudslide occurred around 21:45 LT on July 1, temporarily blocking the Gschnitztal Road (L10) near Gallreide. Another smaller event followed around 01:00 LT on July 2, depositing material on the same road. Both incidents were cleared rapidly, with one-lane traffic restored by morning.
References:
1 Dozens evacuated from Austrian village after mudslide covers parts of Alpine valley – AP News – July 1, 2025
2 Aufräumarbeiten und Evakuierungen nach Erdrutschen in Tirol – Südtirol News – July 01, 2025
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
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