The body of one of the three people missing after torrential floods in southeastern Switzerland was found on Sunday, according to police. The search continues for the two other missing individuals. The severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall that struck the Mesolcina valley on Friday evening resulted in devastating floods and landslides, particularly affecting the village of Sorte. Several houses and vehicles were swept away, leaving a devastated landscape.
Operations manager William Kloter of the Graubünden cantonal police confirmed during a news conference that a man's body was discovered, having been carried by water for more than eight kilometers. One of the four initially missing people was found alive, though injured, in rock slides on Saturday morning and was transported to Lugano hospital. Search operations, which were paused overnight, resumed on Sunday with hopes of finding the remaining missing individuals, though Kloter noted that the probability of finding them alive is low.
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, an Italian-speaker, attended the press conference to express solidarity from the Federal Council during this difficult time. 'Today is a sad day, and that is why I am here to bring the solidarity of the Federal Council,' he said. Cassis emphasized the importance of restoring north-south traffic quickly, as several roads and a section of the highway have been cut off due to the bad weather. These routes are particularly popular with vacationers during the summer.
In addition to the Mesolcina valley, the neighboring Calanca valley has also been affected, with several dozen residents evacuated from their homes. Heavy rains have disrupted multiple regions across Switzerland in recent days, causing road closures and interruptions to train lines. The famous ski resort of Zermatt in the canton of Valais has been isolated since Friday midday due to the risk of flooding, leading to the cessation of both train and road connections.
- Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall have wreaked havoc in the Mesolcina valley, causing significant damage and posing a serious threat to the local population. The village of Sorte has been particularly hard-hit, with several houses and vehicles swept away by the floods.
- The discovery of a man's body, carried by water for over eight kilometers, underscores the severity of the situation. Despite the rescue of one injured individual, the chances of finding the remaining missing people alive diminish as time passes.
- Authorities are working diligently to restore critical infrastructure, including roads and highways, which are vital for both residents and vacationers. The Federal Council has expressed its solidarity and commitment to supporting the affected communities during this challenging time.
- The impact of the heavy rains extends beyond the Mesolcina valley, with the neighboring Calanca valley also experiencing significant disruptions. The isolation of the famous ski resort of Zermatt highlights the widespread nature of the flooding and the need for comprehensive recovery efforts.
