A massive landslide destroyed six homes in a village in eastern Switzerland, following several days of heavy rain that battered the country. Thankfully, no injuries or casualties have been reported so far.
According to the Swiss news agency Keystone-SDA, the violent rockslide hit the small village of Schwanden in the Glarus region around 5:30 PM local time on Tuesday. The agency reported that large amounts of mud, rocks, and other debris fell from a mountain slope, destroying or burying the six homes. Another landslide occurred just a few hours later, according to French newspaper Le Figaro.
Videos released by several Swiss media outlets showed a huge mass of earth tearing through trees and crushing buildings while villagers screamed in shock.
Swiss media also reported that local authorities had previously evacuated the area after a landslide occurred in the same region just one week ago, leading to the evacuation of five homes and two companies for safety reasons. Richard Schmidt, a spokesperson for the Glarus police, stated that the evacuation zone would be expanded to include approximately 100 more people following Tuesday’s landslide.
It should be noted that the heavy rains, which began last Friday, have led to landslides and closed numerous passages in the Alps region. The local train services have also been disrupted.
This disaster highlights the urgent need for effective monitoring and early-warning systems for weather-related emergencies in Switzerland. Furthermore, it puts into perspective the impact of heavy rains and extreme weather conditions on vulnerable communities.
Natural disasters such as landslides and floods have been an increasing concern worldwide due to climate change. Switzerland, known for its serene landscapes and mountainous terrain, is no exception. In recent years, the country has experienced a surge in weather-related disasters, prompting a re-evaluation of emergency response measures.
