dw.com
Brienz Faces Imminent Rockslide Threat
The Swiss village of Brienz faces imminent threat of a massive rockslide, prompting an urgent evacuation warning for its residents.
German
Germany
Climate ChangeEuropean UnionNatural DisasterRefugees And MigrationEvacuationRiskSwitzerlandLandslide
Swiss Federal Office For The Environment (Foen)Kanton GraubündenWeltwirtschaftsforum
Stefan SchneiderPascal PorchetArnold Von AllemUrsin BonifaziJörg Marguth
- Has Brienz faced similar situations before?
- The village has experienced similar threats before; in 2023, a rockslide narrowly missed the village, causing significant damage. This current threat is potentially even more serious, due to increased saturation of the soil from recent rainfall.
- What measures are being taken to address the threat?
- While a 40 million franc drainage tunnel is being constructed to mitigate the risk, it is not yet complete. The current rate of movement is about 25 centimeters per day, but heavy rain could increase this to 80 kilometers per hour or more.
- How are the residents of Brienz reacting to the threat?
- The people of Brienz are experiencing fear and uncertainty, particularly those who are farmers and must also relocate their animals. They worry not only about losing their homes but also about the process of evacuation and finding temporary housing.
- Is climate change responsible for the threat to Brienz?
- Although climate change is generally increasing erosion and instability in the Alps, it is not directly responsible for the current situation in Brienz. The village is at a relatively low altitude for the issues related to permafrost thaw to be a significant factor.
- What is the current situation in the Swiss village of Brienz?
- The residents of Brienz, Switzerland are preparing for a potential evacuation due to a large amount of unstable earth above the village that could collapse at any moment. Authorities are urging residents to pack essential belongings and prepare for a potential months-long absence.