Swiss village evacuated over rockslide threat

Reuters Videos

Updated 12 May 2023 at 7:03 am

STORY: Swiss authorities had ordered residents to abandon the tiny mountain village in the eastern canton of Graubunden because of fears it will soon be buried beneath a collapsing mountainside.

Local authorities say Brienz is at risk because 2.6 million cubic yards of rock could soon break off the mountain, burying its quaint homes.

The Brienz population of less than 100 people had been given until Friday evening to evacuate.

Climate change is putting Switzerland at increased risk of natural hazards, including an increase in erosion due to higher temperatures, Swiss authorities say.

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