June 22nd 2024.
A peaceful village nestled in the Swiss Alps was struck by a catastrophic event, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake. The tranquility of Sorte village, located in the municipality of Lostallo, was shattered when a massive landslide descended upon it. The incident occurred after a series of brutal thunderstorms and heavy rain caused the land to give way, engulfing the village and its inhabitants.
Reports have confirmed that three people are currently missing, feared to have been inside their homes when the landslide occurred. Despite the efforts of rescue teams, they have not yet been found. The search operation, which includes the use of excavators, trained search dogs, helicopters, and drones, has been ongoing all day in hopes of finding them alive.
William Kloter, the lead rescuer from the Swiss police, expressed his determination to find the missing individuals. The aftermath of the landslide was captured in photos, showcasing the scale of destruction that has befallen the village. The once picturesque roads are now completely obliterated, and the surrounding areas are covered in debris.
Swiss President Viola Amherd expressed her shock and concern over the damage caused by the severe weather. She extended her thoughts to those affected and commended the tireless efforts of the emergency personnel. Aerial pictures of the affected area reveal the devastating impact of the rockslide, with an entire road being wiped out.
The government's office for weather and climate, MeteoSchweiz, reported that the valley received almost 12cm of rain, with half of it pouring down in just one hour. This concentration of rain, which occurs once every 30 years, was the main cause of the landslide. The overflowing rivers, along with the heavy rain and debris, led to significant damage to the village. Three houses and three cars were swept away by the raging waters, while the woman who was buried under the rubble was successfully rescued and taken to the hospital.
In another part of Switzerland, the popular tourist destination of Zermatt has also been affected by the severe weather. The Matterhorn-Gotthard Railway has halted operations, and the village has been cut off due to the overflowing Mattervispa River. Videos captured the once calm river turning into a muddy flood, submerging the streets of the ski resort.
The railway company announced that no alternative transportation is currently available. Emergency services are on high alert in the canton of Valais, where the Rhone River reached its peak on Saturday. Residents have been advised to stay away from lower parts of their houses and avoid parking on bridges. They have also been warned against filming or photographing the floods due to safety reasons.
This unfortunate event in Switzerland brings to mind the devastating landslide that struck Papua New Guinea last month, claiming the lives of over 2,000 people as they slept. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and powerful nature of Mother Nature and the importance of being prepared for such disasters.
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