Abstract (eng)
In our modern society, the smooth functioning of the power supply is required, just as the continued availability of water or healthcare.
However, in the last few years, the number of power outages, mostly weather-related, is increasing. Due to the electrification in all areas of life, the sudden failure of the power supply is a massive cut in our lives.
The measures to be carried out by the Disaster Management of the Province of Carinthia in the event of disasters relate mostly to natural hazard events such as mudflows, floods, or storms. How does a power failure affect the disaster management itself or the public administration of a federal state? Do the helpers suddenly need help themselves and can they no longer carry out their official mandate?
The social impact of a widespread and long-lasting power failure becomes more serious the longer it lasts. The province of Carinthia has at least two black-startable power plants within the Fragant and Malta power plant groups. This peculiarity means that, according to information from the power plant operators, at least parts of Carinthia could have electricity again within 72 hours. The approaches discussed in the present paper therefore include the failure of the power supply over this period of three days.
In terms of content, the Master Thesis considers the effects of the power supply failure on the disaster management of the province of Carinthia with its three levels (state, district and municipality) and on the activities of the public state administration. In addition, the health facilities of mobile care and the Carinthian nursing homes are examined regarding their vulnerability to a blackout. .
From the preparation of the case study and the involved expert reflections, possibilities for action are shown in order to increase the resilience against such a disaster scenario.
At least in the Austrian context, this thesis shall contribute to add a further piece of the puzzle to the research work on this very complex topic.