The level of detail that has been compiled means that the risk can be predicted not only for whole postcode areas, but for individual buildings in Switzerland.
“Initial evaluations show that around 60% of buildings in Switzerland are potentially affected,” said Roberto Loat of the Federal Office for the Environment.
Up to half all floods in Switzerland are not caused by overflowing rivers and lakes, but by rainwater not being absorbed into the ground, according to the government’s figures.
The authorities therefore believe that flooding is an underestimated danger, because the focus so far had been placed primarily on containing Switzerland’s many rivers and lakes.
The online maps are available for free and were created in collaboration with the national building insurance association and cantonal insurers.
The hazard map’s colour scheme gives an indication of the level of risk; the darker the shade of purple shown, the higher the water level is predicted to rise during a flood.
External Content
Effective measures
The good news for homeowners is that the risk of flooding can often be drastically reduced by relatively easy and inexpensive measures, according to Loat.
“Often it may be enough just to slightly raise the house or garage entrance to avoid damages,” he said.
The cantonal and federal authorities believe that the nationwide mapping system will help reduce the damages caused by future floods throughout the country.
More
More
Flood and landslide damage in 2017 cost CHF170 million
This content was published on
However, the amount is significantly less than the inflation-adjusted average of CHF307 million ($322 million) for the years from 1972 to 2016, WSL pointed out on Friday in its annual review. About 94% of the estimated damage came from floods or debris flows, while landslides contributed 2% and rockfalls almost 4%. Most of the disasters…
French cross-border workers in Switzerland fear “discriminatory” unemployment reform
This content was published on
In the French region around Geneva, cross-border workers are protesting proposals to cut unemployment benefits for those working in Switzerland.
Swan infected with bird flu in central Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland has reported its first bird flu case of the season. A swan found dead in central Switzerland tested positive for the H5N1 virus.
Swiss researchers identify gene variants linked to cancer progression
This content was published on
ETH Zurich researchers explored genetic mutations’ effects on cell function and their role in cancer development and treatment using CRISPR/Cas techniques.
Explosion at Swiss company Givaudan’s US plant leaves two dead
This content was published on
Swiss flavour and fragrance maker Givaudan reported that an explosion at its Kentucky plant resulted in two deaths and several injuries.
Swisscom’s Vodafone Italia takeover cleared by Italian telecoms authority
This content was published on
Swisscom is one step closer to its planned acquisition of Vodafone Italia, as the Italian communications regulator has approved the €8 billion deal.
Swiss parliamentary committee proposes foreign aid cuts and military funding boost
This content was published on
A committee of the Swiss House of Representatives has proposed increasing funds for the military and agriculture while reducing foreign aid and asylum.
Swiss Rolex Submariner watches reach nearly $50 billion in total market value
This content was published on
The total market value of all Rolex Submariner watches ever made is nearly $50 billion, based on newly released production data.
Swiss Jew wrongfully detained due to prosecutor’s ‘bias’
This content was published on
A Jewish Swiss man was detained after the prosecutor argued he might flee to Israel. The Federal Court said this implies bias due to his Jewish faith.
US reportedly scrutinises Russian accounts UBS took over from Credit Suisse
This content was published on
The US is investigating Russian clients acquired by UBS during its takeover of Credit Suisse, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
WTO plans to reappoint Okonjo-Iweala before Trump swears in
This content was published on
Some member states of the World Trade Organization may seek to reappoint Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, according to a document released on Tuesday.
This content was published on
Lausanne and other parts of the Lake Geneva shore were battered by heavy thunderstorms and torrential rains on Monday evening.
This content was published on
Catastrophic flooding in 1999, 2005 and 2007 led to reforms in water management in Bern. Bernard Wehren, the hydrologist in charge of regulating lake levels, told swissinfo what changes were made and what effect they have had. (SRF/swissinfo.ch)
Snow and high water block access to Swiss mountain villages
This content was published on
Heavy rain and snow have hit many parts of Switzerland, leaving several thousand people in the Alps temporarily cut off from the outside world.
This content was published on
In St-Ursanne in canton Jura, days of heavy rain have caused the River Doubs to break its banks and flood parts of the mediaeval town.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.