7,402 people who fled Ukraine from the Russian war of aggression have been recorded in the central register of residents in Upper Austria since spring.
In the course of the coming winter, this number could increase significantly: “Especially when it gets colder now, we expect that more and more displaced people will move from the immediate neighboring countries in the direction of Central Europe,” says Social Provincial Councilor Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (VP). Many refugee shelters in the countries directly neighboring Ukraine are not prepared for a cold winter: they are not heated, or only poorly. In order to be prepared for the expected increase in the number of people displaced by the war, in addition to the existing arrival center near Linz’s main train station, several emergency arrival centers are currently being prepared, which can be activated quickly if necessary, reports Hattmannsdorfer.
In addition, other private accommodation providers for refugees are being sought. According to the state’s social department, new accommodation is needed, especially in central Upper Austria. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, almost 3,000 refugees have been housed in private quarters in Upper Austria.
The federal government’s refugee coordinator, Andreas Achrainer, also praised this commitment on the part of the Upper Austrians during a visit to Linz: “I would like to thank the Upper Austrians for giving shelter to so many people: Please continue to help. We can only achieve this task together.”
If you would like to provide accommodation for refugees, you can find information at: ooe.gv.at/ukraine
Source: Nachrichten
