Three people were missing on Saturday after massive thunderstorms and rainfall in southeastern Switzerland caused a landslide, authorities said.
One woman was pulled out alive after being buried by the landslide in the Alpine valley of Misox in Graubünden. A rescue operation for the three others is ongoing.
Elsewhere in Switzerland, the popular tourist destination of Zermatt in the southern canton of Valais near the iconic Matterhorn mountain remains inaccessible. Heavy rains and melting snow have caused the Mattervispa River to overflow, cutting off the village.
Dramatic videos showed the otherwise small river that flows through Zermatt turning into a muddy flash flood, partially submerging streets in the popular ski resort.
The Matterhorn-Gotthard Railway halted operations with no alternative transportation available, the railway company announced on social media on Saturday morning.
Emergency services in the canton of Valais were on high alert over the levels of the Rhone River, which reached its peak on Saturday.
Authorities have warned residents to avoid lower parts of their houses, including cellars, and keep away from swelling rivers and refrain from parking on bridges. People were also advised against filming or photographing the floods due to safety reasons.
Since Friday afternoon, trains have ceased operation on the Visp–Zermatt line in Swiss Alps due to flooding risks. Additionally, the bus replacement service between Visp and Täsch has been suspended due to road closures, rendering Zermatt inaccessible by both rail and road until further notice.
The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGBahn) has announced that no trains will operate between Visp and Zermatt until at least the end of the week. This decision follows the flooding of the Vispa river, which has caused extensive damage to the railway line at several locations. As a result, significant repairs are required before the line can be reopened. The Gornergrat Bahn (GGB) has also suspended its services due to mudslides affecting the Riffelbord protective gallery, with the resumption of operations expected no earlier than next Wednesday.
Since Friday afternoon, trains have ceased operation on the Visp–Zermatt line in Swiss Alps due to flooding risks. Additionally, the bus replacement service between Visp and Täsch has been suspended due to road closures, rendering Zermatt inaccessible by both rail and road until further notice.
The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGBahn) has announced that no trains will operate between Visp and Zermatt until at least the end of the week. This decision follows the flooding of the Vispa river, which has caused extensive damage to the railway line at several locations. As a result, significant repairs are required before the line can be reopened. The Gornergrat Bahn (GGB) has also suspended its services due to mudslides affecting the Riffelbord protective gallery, with the resumption of operations expected no earlier than next Wednesday.
A detailed assessment of the Visp–Täsch route revealed more extensive damage than initially anticipated. The high-water levels previously obscured some of the affected areas, particularly between Kalpetran and Herbriggen. Repair work is expected to take several weeks, during which time the rail line will remain closed. A bus replacement service will continue to operate, but passengers should anticipate longer wait times and limited capacity, especially for groups.
A detailed assessment of the Visp–Täsch route revealed more extensive damage than initially anticipated. The high-water levels previously obscured some of the affected areas, particularly between Kalpetran and Herbriggen. Repair work is expected to take several weeks, during which time the rail line will remain closed. A bus replacement service will continue to operate, but passengers should anticipate longer wait times and limited capacity, especially for groups.
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