CONSEQUENCE OF THE FLASH FLOOD IN THE MALA FATRA MOUNTAINS

Abstract

In 2014 a massive landslide due to extreme rainfall in the Mala Fatra mountains occurred. It caused also consequential damages that indicate typical symptoms of "domino effect" due to extreme weather event. A torrential downpour resulted in flooding that caused an avalanche of rocks, mud, wood and other material which buried parts of Vrátna Dolina and engulfed a lift station to Snilovské Sedlo. Dozens of cars were destroyed as was a road leading from Terchová village to Vrátna Dolina. Vrátna Cottage, road infrastructure and a part of Terchová village were damaged as well. About 200 people present at the area of the natural disaster managed to shelter in nearby buildings and nobody was hurt or killed. Vrátna Dolina resort has a lot to clean up after the disaster. Flood cleanup bill is estimated at tens of millions Euros. Unfortunately, more landslides could follow in the future. The clean-up operations were realized by the integrated rescue system bodies, civil protection, fire and rescue services, municipalities, local governments and other organizations.