Huge Clear Up Operation Underway After Flooding in Zermatt
23rd June 2024
Last modified on June 29th, 2024
Torrential rain caused rivers to burst their banks as water swept through the ski resort with rail access suspended. The resort is putting on a brave face as the clean up continues. UPDATED
The waters have subsided, and the railway line is now open.
“The natural events of the weekend have caused some property damage and require clearing work in certain places,” said a statement from the resort.
“Zermatt is safe and able to react to natural events as the situation arises, so that people can move around the destination without worry.”
In the canton of Graubunden the body of a man has been found after three people went missing in the town of Grisons.
Four were first reported missing, but a woman was found under rocks and taken to hospital in Lugano.
The man’s body was found 5 miles from where he disappeared.
Rescuers are continuing to search for the other two people, but the police spokesman said the probability of finding them alive “is low”.
The three people were likely at home when floodwaters swept away three houses and three vehicles.
A massive storm hit the area on Friday with rivers bursting their banks.
The Swiss government’s weather service said 124 mm of rain fell in the area on Friday – most of it in a single one-hour period.
“This concentration of rain happens only once every 30 years,” said a statement from the weather service.
Zermatt is putting on a brave face and reassuring summer visitors that it is safe to visit.
Parts of the village were severely flooded when the storm hit.
Zermatt today! 🌧️ pic.twitter.com/vh1tjLJhAZ
— Olly Alkema (@ollyalkema) June 21, 2024
The railway line that links the resort to the outside world was shut.
In Switzerland, the last train left Zermatt this morning before flooding and landslides cut off the town. The river Vispa overflowed, flooding the town center and halting all rail and road transport. 👀pic.twitter.com/nAOeVaKAgs
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) June 21, 2024
The Vispa river burst its banks on Friday morning.
The transport links were partially re-opened as the flood waters subside.
On Saturday evening shuttle trains began running again between Zermatt and Täsch.
Rail replacement buses run between Täsch and Visp down in the valley.
Some of the hiking trails remains closed due to the threat of further landslides.
“We warmly welcome our guests for the upcoming summer season,” said a statement from the tourist office.
“The access to Zermatt requires a little more time and patience.
“We thank you for your understanding.”
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The President of Switzerland, Viola Amherd, said she was shocked by the scale of the damage.
“My thoughts are with those affected. I thank the emergency personnel for their tireless efforts in this difficult situation,” she said on social media.
Swiss authorities evacuated 230 residents on Saturday, with the municipality of Chippis particularly affected, as it is situated on the left bank of the Rhone.
Other parts of the Alps were also affected.
The village of La Berarde in the Ecrins National Park in the French Alps as flooded.
Helicopters were used to evacuate all residents and tourists.
The area is popular with climbers and hikers.
New flight over La Bérarde today shows a much worse situation than yesterday! 🚁😱
Many buildings have not survived the night and are simply cut in two, just look at the church! 😭When you are intimely linked to this place this is so HEARTBREAKING 💔https://t.co/TUuS8cqWHp
1/ pic.twitter.com/uTIKICvSBL— Melaine Le Roy (@subfossilguy) June 22, 2024
Incredible footage of rescuer breaking through roof of house engulfed by rocks and mud and filling with water.
2 occupants apparently rescued.
La Bérarde in the French Alpspic.twitter.com/UclxDvMGgQ
— Dave Throup (@DaveThroup) June 22, 2024
The unseasonal weather is boosting snow conditions at altitude in the Alps for the handful of resorts that are open for summer skiing.
More to follow…
