A large-scale rockslide occurred late Thursday afternoon along departmental road 1532 in La Rivière, Isère, leading to significant disruptions and ongoing rescue efforts. The prefecture reported that around fifty firefighters and five dog teams were deployed to search for potential victims, although initial assessments indicated no casualties. The landslide, described by local officials as measuring several tens of thousands of cubic meters, was triggered in an area adjacent to a quarry, and the exact cause remains undetermined. Mayor Raymond Rolland confirmed that there were no homes in the vicinity of the landslide, which occurred around 7:00 p.m., and emphasized the precarious nature of the site, which is currently deemed unsafe for rescue operations.
The rockslide has effectively severed the busy departmental road that connects the Drôme region to the Grenoble metropolitan area, a route that sees approximately 7,000 vehicles daily. Authorities are working to establish diversion routes to manage traffic congestion while ensuring safety. As of Friday morning, searches were postponed until technical services could guarantee the safety of the rescue teams. In the meantime, local communities have experienced power outages, prompting the prefecture to activate a crisis unit to address the situation.
- The landslide, which is reported to have a thickness of up to 20 meters in some areas, has raised concerns about the stability of the surrounding terrain. Bernard Perazio, vice-president of the Isère departmental council, noted the challenges faced by search teams due to the unstable conditions, which hinder their ability to conduct thorough searches. The prefecture has expressed its commitment to avoiding any secondary accidents during the rescue operations.
- Local officials have emphasized the importance of ensuring public safety above all else, with the mayor stating that there are currently no indications of victims being trapped beneath the debris. Videos circulating on social media depict the dramatic collapse of the cliff, underscoring the magnitude of the event. As the situation evolves, residents and travelers are urged to stay informed through official channels.
