Flood and landslide damage in 2017 cost CHF170 million
The cost of floods, debris flows, rockfalls and landslides in 2017 was the highest in ten years, according Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).
This content was published on
1 minute
SDA-ATS/ac
However, the amount is significantly less than the inflation-adjusted average of CHF307 million ($322 million) for the years from 1972 to 2016, WSL pointed out on Friday in its annual review.
About 94% of the estimated damage came from floods or debris flows, while landslides contributed 2% and rockfalls almost 4%. Most of the disasters were caused by thunderstorms and other heavy rainfall (about 66%), 5% by persistent rain and about 29% by other factors or unknown reasons.
Two events caused most of the damage in 2017: the floods in the Zofingen region in canton Aargau in July and the rock avalanche near the remote village of Bondo in canton Graubünden in August. The latter killed eight hikers when they were buried under 3.1 million cubic metres of crashing rock. Despite extensive searches, the bodies could not be found. This brought the annual death toll caused by such incidents to well above the average of recent years (two to three victims per year).
More
More
Hiking among unstable Swiss mountainsides
This content was published on
How are Swiss mountain trails kept safe in an era of landslides like the one that struck the town of Bondo last week, leaving eight hikers missing?
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
This content was published on
How are Swiss mountain trails kept safe in an era of landslides like the one that struck the town of Bondo last week, leaving eight hikers missing?
This content was published on
Around 3,500 cubic metres of rubble fell onto the road on Saturday morning. No-one was injured, but several houses were evacuated and rocks fell perilously close to the village of Trient in canton Valais, making the water supply unsafe. + Read more on the landslide threat in Switzerland The road is expected to be closed…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.