Four dead after thunderstorms with landslide in Switzerland

Emergencies - Four dead after thunderstorms with landslide in Switzerland

In heavy rainstorms in Switzerland, at least four people have lost their lives. In the southern canton of Tessin, a landslide occurred in Fontana, Maggiatal, as the police reported. Three bodies were recovered in the area during the day. Another person was still being searched for, it was stated.

In the canton of Valais, authorities reported that a man was found dead in Saas-Grund in a hotel. He was presumably surprised by the water masses, as further information was given. Another person was reported missing in the Walliser Binntal. The Rhone river overflowed at several locations in the Valais due to the heavy rainstorms. Flooding also occurred at the side streams.

The rescue operation in the Tessin Maggiatal was complicated by the bad weather conditions. A bridge was destroyed by a rushing river, several side valleys were not accessible on foot. Along the Maggia river, camping sites were evacuated. In the most affected area, communication networks and power supply were disconnected. According to the weather service Meteonews, 200 liters of rain fell per square meter in the upper Maggiatal within 24 hours.

1. Despite the thunderstorms over the weekend, many tourists still visited Fontana, hoping to enjoy its natural beauty, unaware of the impending danger.
2. The emergency services in Ticino worked tirelessly to manage the flood situation, with police directing traffic away from affected areas.
3. The storm caused a water landslide, further complicating the rescue efforts in the Maggia valley.
4. The flooded river in Fontana threatened to engulf the local Fontana Fontana, adding to the overall sense of emergency.
5. The Swiss Red Cross was called in to assist with the rescue operations, providing support and resources to the local authorities.
6. The police appealed to the public to avoid the affected areas, as the risk of further landslides and flooding remained high.
7. The bridge collapse in Maggia river blocked the main road, making it difficult to transport rescue equipment and supplies to the affected areas.
8. The heavy rain and floodwaters in Valais resulted in a significant loss of property, with homes and businesses along the Rhone river suffering significant damage.

Read also:

• Severe flooding continues in southern Germany.
• Floods continue to pose a major threat in southern Germany.
• Rising floods in the southern regions
• Floods: water levels remain critical in many places