The landslide came near the town of Blatten in Switzerland. About 100 people, including tourists, had to be evacuated due to the danger of falling rocks. Tourist routes were also closed in the area and car traffic was limited.
According to the Swiss portal, 20 minutes last week there were several landslides in the Swiss part of the Rhone Valley. Masses of rocks and mud went down near the town of Blatten, blocking several tourist routes. It is estimated that so far about 30,000 cubic meters of material has broken off from the slope, and a million m may be collapsed3.
Uncertain situation
On Saturday, the rocks began to fall dangerously close to the southern part of the village. In the evening, the Valais canton authorities decided to evacuate people staying there – 92 inhabitants and several tourists.
“Evacuation went calmly and ordered,” said Matthias Ebener, spokesman for the local crisis response team. – People were accommodated with relatives or friends, and tourists went to other hotels.
The services have confirmed that the situation is uncertain – it is not known when residents will be able to return home to take personal belongings. The possibility of car traffic in the town was also limited. The road running through endangered districts has been closed at night for several days, and in the day traffic takes place only under the supervision of the services.
Source of the main photo: PAP/EPA/CYRIL ZINGARO