Evacuation looms: Swiss mountain village under threat from debris

Landslides and mudflows pose imminent danger to Gondo

The Swiss village of Gondo is facing imminent danger from landslides and mudflows, with authorities issuing an evacuation order for the entire population. The village, located in the southern canton of Valais, is home to around 100 people.

Cause of the threat

The threat to Gondo is caused by a large landslide that occurred on the nearby mountainside on Sunday. The landslide blocked a river, causing it to form a lake. The lake is now overflowing, and there is a risk that it could burst, sending a wall of water and debris crashing down on the village.

Evacuation underway

The evacuation order was issued on Monday morning, and residents are being urged to leave their homes immediately. The evacuation is being carried out by the Swiss Army, and residents are being taken to a nearby village.

Previous landslides

Gondo is no stranger to landslides. In 2000, a landslide destroyed several homes in the village. The village was also hit by a mudflow in 2017.

Response from authorities

The authorities are taking the threat to Gondo very seriously. The Swiss Army has been deployed to the village to help with the evacuation, and engineers are working to stabilize the landslide.

Conclusion

The evacuation of Gondo is a reminder of the dangers of living in a mountainous region. Landslides and mudflows are a common occurrence in Switzerland, and it is important for residents to be aware of the risks and to take precautions to stay safe.