Switzerland: Authorities order evacuation of valley due to renewed risk of severe weather
New storms in the Swiss canton of Tessin may put people's lives at risk according to the Crisis Unit assessment this weekend. The authorities have therefore ordered the evacuation of almost an entire valley. The residents in the Bavonatal, in the upper Maggiatal, are now being evacuated by helicopters, as reported by the Canton Police.
In Fontana, Bavonatal, three German holidaymakers had lost their lives a week ago due to a landslide caused by heavy rainfall. Further down in the valley, water masses of the Maggia river had partially destroyed a bridge. The Maggia river flows into Lago Maggiore at Locarno. The terrain in the Bavonatal had been significantly altered by the water masses of a small tributary that flows into the Maggia the previous Friday. The tributary had significantly swollen and had flooded the land. It is now difficult to predict what will happen with new, even less severe rainfalls, according to the Canton Police. The Crisis Unit has therefore decided out of caution to evacuate almost all inhabitants. The access roads will be closed subsequently.
The police did not share information on how many people are affected or how many tourists might still be in the area. In the remote Bavonatal, there are only a few small villages. For people who cannot stay with relatives or friends, a triage station will be set up in Ascona.
- Due to the risk of severe weather in Ticino, the authorities have issued a warning for potential residents in Canton to be prepared for evacuation should the situation deteriorate further.
- Despite Canton being known for its beautiful valleys, the evacuation of the Bavonatal valley highlights the severe risks posed by heavy rainfall and the potential for floods.
- In light of the ongoing crisis and the evacuation of the Bavonatal, Switzerland's federal authorities are urging tourists planning to visit Ticino to closely monitor weather updates and stay informed about potential evacuation orders.
