Switzerland - At least four dead after landslide caused by storm - search operation continues
After a landslide in the southern Swiss canton of Tessin, several people are missing. According to the police, a heavy storm hit Maggiatal in the night to Sunday. Now it is gradually becoming clear that at least four people have already lost their lives.
During the storm on Sunday night in the southern canton of Tessin, a landslide occurred in Fontana in Maggiatal, as the police reported. Three bodies were recovered in the area during the day. Another person is still being searched for, it was stated.
Swiss communication network and power supply temporarily disrupted
The search for the missing people in Fontana was made more difficult by the bad weather conditions. Several side valleys were not reachable by land. Along the Maggia River, camping sites were evacuated. In the most affected area, communication networks and power supply were disrupted.
The authorities in the canton of Valais reported that a man was found dead in a hotel in Saas-Grund. He was presumably surprised by the water masses there, as further information stated. Another person was reported missing in the Walliser Binntal. In Valais, the Rhone river overflowed at several points since Saturday afternoon. Flooding also occurred at the side streams.
The rescue operation in the Maggiatal of Tessin was made more difficult by the bad weather conditions. A bridge was destroyed by a raging river, several side valleys were not reachable by land. Along the Maggia River, camping sites were evacuated. According to the weather service Meteonews, about 200 liters of rain fell per square meter in the upper Maggiatal within 24 hours. Due to the bad weather, the drinking water was contaminated in this area.
This article was updated.
The heavy thunderstorm that hit Fontana in Maggiatal on Sunday night is believed to have contributed to the landslide. The power supply and communication networks in the affected area are still being restored by the authorities. Despite the challenging weather situation, the police and emergency services continue their search operation for the missing person. Several hiking trails in the Ticino region have been closed as a precautionary measure due to the recent landslide and the unpredictable weather conditions. On this particular weekend, numerous tourists were enjoying the region, making the situation even more complex.
