Switzerland is grappling with the aftermath of torrential rains that have led to devastating floods and landslides, particularly in the southeastern region of the country. The natural disaster has resulted in at least one confirmed death and two individuals still missing, with ongoing search and rescue operations involving 200 personnel. The affected areas include the Misox Valley in the canton of Grisons, where three houses were hit by a landslide, and the town of Zermatt, which was isolated for more than 24 hours.Swiss President Viola Amherd expressed deep concern for the affected communities and acknowledged the tireless efforts of emergency responders. The A13 highway, a crucial route to Italy, was completely submerged and destroyed by the flooding, with repairs expected to take several months. The Swiss Federal Roads Authority (Astra) is currently assessing the extent of the damage and planning the necessary reconstruction efforts.The Swiss Federal Council member Ignazio Cassis conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families, highlighting the national tragedy’s gravity. The situation has prompted a significant response from the Swiss authorities, with police chief William Kloter stating that the chances of finding the missing individuals alive are slim due to the massive debris. The community of Zermatt, known for its proximity to the Matterhorn and popular with tourists for skiing and hiking, was particularly impacted, with the train line from Visp to Zermatt being temporarily closed.
Key points
- Severe flooding and landslides in Switzerland have led to at least one death and two people missing.
- The town of Zermatt was isolated for over 24 hours, and the A13 highway was destroyed, with long-term closure expected.
- Swiss President Viola Amherd and officials are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating the rescue efforts.
