In southern Switzerland, a tragic accident occurred over the weekend when a landslide buried several houses in Ticino. The landslide resulted in the loss of three lives, all of whom were confirmed to be German holidaymakers. Two women aged 73 and 76 from Baden-Württemberg were discovered after the landslide in Fontana in the Maggia Valley, making it difficult to determine which house each person resided in due to the devastation caused by the landslide.
The storm that led to the landslide also caused significant damage in other parts of the region. Five individuals remain missing in Ticino, and authorities are actively working to locate them. The Maggia River wreaked havoc in the area, sweeping away a bridge near Cevio, making the upper Maggia Valley only accessible by air. Military personnel have been dispatched to assist with cleanup efforts, as parts of the valley are still without electricity and drinking water.
In neighboring Valais, heavy rain and flooding of the Rhône River resulted in significant property damage. A tragic incident occurred where a 67-year-old German individual lost his life after being caught in floodwaters while trying to escape from his hotel basement during flooding. The devastation caused by these storms and resulting flooding has had a profound impact on both regions, with authorities actively engaged in search, rescue, and recovery operations.
The disaster has left many families displaced from their homes and struggling for survival. Many residents are facing financial hardship due to damages sustained during these natural disasters.
Governments and aid organizations are working together to provide relief assistance to those affected by these calamities.
Despite this tragedy, it is crucial for communities like Fontana and Valais to come together stronger than ever before as they begin rebuilding their lives after this devastating event.
