A rock volume of two million cubic metres is moving so fast that it is expected to break loose in the next one to three weeks, the local authorities said on Tuesday. The municipality in canton Graubünden has activated the “orange phase” and therefore the evacuation of the village, which has a population of under 100.
As of Friday evening nobody will be allowed to stay overnight in the village until further notice. From Saturday villagers will be allowed into Brienz/Brinzauls during the day, if the danger level permits. Livestock from two farms will remain in the stables for the time being, the authorities said.
Village residents share their thoughts on the evacuation in this video:
All access roads to Brienz/Brinzauls are now open only to residents and homeowners. On Tuesday evening the authorities will provide information on the details of the evacuation during a public information event in the nearby village of Tiefencastel.
The landslide area is located above the village. “Current measurements show a high acceleration over a large area,” the authorities said. This indicates that up to two million cubic metres of rock material will fall or slide in the next seven to 24 days.
As soon as a break-off of the rock mass is imminent within three to ten days, the “red phase” will be activated. At that point, it will no longer be possible to enter Brienz/Brinzauls even during the day and the cattle will be driven away.
In 2017 eight hikers died and several houses were destroyed in one of the biggest landslides in Switzerland for over 130 years, on Piz Cengalo, also in canton Graubünden.
* This article, which previously stated a population of 130, was corrected on May 30
Popular Stories
More
Banking & Fintech
Luxury heir claims his CHF11 billion Hermès fortune has vanished
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Swiss investigate four people linked to Russian oligarch
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland is investigating four individuals linked to Russian oligarch Suleyman Kerimov.
Swiss government scrambles to deal with egg shortage
This content was published on
From September 1, more eggs intended for consumption may be imported into Switzerland. In allowing this, the government wants to secure the supply of eggs for consumers.
This content was published on
Agricultural research sees new development opportunities for Swiss sparkling wines in the face of declining wine consumption. In a survey, half of consumers expressed a willingness to pay more for local products than for foreign ones.
Locarno spotlights filmmakers from South America and Caribbean
This content was published on
The Open Doors section of the Locarno Film Festival has named the winners for 2024. The spotlight is on the South American and Caribbean regions.
Storm paralyses trains to popular Swiss tourist resort
This content was published on
The railway line between Zweilütschinen and Grindelwald in central Switzerland is expected to remain closed until Friday following heavy rains.
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.
Read more
More
Mountain guides renounce Jungfrau ascent due to rock fall
This content was published on
For the first time in over 100 years, Swiss mountain guides will no longer be accompanying alpinists on the classic route to the summit of Jungfrau.
Climate threats: living in the shadow of a crumbling mountain
This content was published on
At the popular Alpine resort of Kandersteg, villagers live with the threat of the nearby Spitzer Stein mountain tumbling down.
Permafrost temperatures in Swiss Alps reach record highs
This content was published on
The warming trend observed in permafrost over the last two decades continued in 2019-2020, the warmest hydrological year on record in Switzerland.
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.