Despite the risk of severe weather: some remain in the Ticino exclusion zone

Swiss Maggia Valley region - Despite the risk of severe weather: some remain in the Ticino exclusion zone

One week after the weather disaster in the Swiss region Maggiatal, which resulted in six deaths, new heavy rainfalls are threatening. The authorities wanted to evacuate people from danger zones in the Bavonatal, but twelve people refused the offer, as the police in the canton Tessin reported. Only nine people were evacuated by helicopter. Nine more people live in the village San Carlo at the end of the valley, where no landslide risks are imminent.

The region is located north of Lake Maggiore, near the border with Italy. In Fontana in the Bavonatal, where it empties into Maggiatal, landslides occurred after heavy rains over the weekend. Among the six deceased were three visitors from Baden-Württemberg. Three more people are still missing.

Warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain

The authorities have warned of significant rainfall and thunderstorm danger and urged people to avoid watersides and not to enter basements. Areas particularly affected are the southern Tessin, parts of Graubünden, as well as the western part of the canton Wallis with the Rhone valley and the canton of Vaud at Lake Geneva. There, the Montreux Jazz Festival is taking place - partly under clear skies.

Bridge collapsed

A bridge between Visletto and Cevio partially collapsed due to the weather event last weekend. Several villages in Maggiatal can no longer be reached by car. A provisional new bridge is being built. Until it is finished, a bridge for bicycles and pedestrians that is still intact should be used. It will be reinforced so that at least emergency vehicles of the rescue services can cross it.

1. Despite the threat of another storm disaster in Ticino, the locators of the Montreux Jazz Festival in Vaud are determined to continue the festivities, partly under clear skies.
2. The restricted zone in the Bavonatal has become a focal point of concerns, as the weather forecast warns of a high risk of severe weather, especially near San Carlo at the end of the valley.
3. The police in Ticino are working tirelessly, monitoring the situation closely and urging residents to take precautions, especially during the upcoming weekend when the weather is predicted to be worst.
4. The village of San Carlo, despite being located in the heart of the affected region, has so far managed to avoid the worst of the weather, thanks to its geographical position away from the known landslide risks.
5. The disaster in Maggiatal has highlighted the fragility of the infrastructure in the region, as evidenced by the collapse of a bridge between Visletto and Cevio following last weekend's storm.
6. The authorities in Switzerland are investing in quick-response measures, such as the construction of a provisional bicycle and pedestrian bridge, to ensure that vital services, including emergency responders, can reach the affected areas in the aftermath of a storm or disaster.
7. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, the spirit of resilience and community solidarity remains strong in the region, with residents working together to support each other and rebuild their lives in the face of such devastating events.

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