The village of Brienz (GR), which is threatened by a new landslide, must be evacuated before Sunday at 1:00 pm, municipal authorities indicated on Tuesday. Only residents are allowed in the village until the evacuation.
The evacuation order was decided by the municipal authorities on the recommendation of the municipal management team. The area has been placed in an ”orange phase”. The residents (about 80) should expect not to be able to return to the village for several months, the city authorities said.
By Sunday at 1:00 pm, all residents and animals must have evacuated the village. For security reasons, it is forbidden to enter the village. Flying over the area, including drones, is prohibited.
An unstable mass
Up to 1.2 million cubic meters of rock is at risk of falling on the village. According to experts, this unstable mass, whose movement is accelerating significantly, is much wetter than the one that caused the large landslide on June 16, 2023. This time it could reach the village and it would no longer stop right in front of the houses as it was last year.
According to geologists, a landslide as far as the village is not out of the question. Such rocks and stones could reach speeds of up to 80 km/h. It could partially or completely destroy the village.
>> Details from Julien Guillaume at 7:30 pm:
Journalist Julien Guillaume returns to the evacuation order, which affects the residents of Brienz in Graubünden / 7:30 in / 50 sec. / yesterday at 7:30 pm
Emergency aid of 500,000 francs
Municipal authorities have announced that they will help residents find accommodation for the duration of the evacuation. People in the region who are ready to accommodate evacuees are asked to inform themselves at the City Chancellor.
For its part, the government of the canton of Graubünden assures the residents and municipal authorities of Brienz of its full support “in this difficult situation”. The executive has issued emergency aid of 500,000 francs, which should be able to cover accommodation and movement costs in particular, he said in a press release.
>> Explanations on the Forum:
The evacuation of the village of Brienz (GR) began after the landslides / Forum / 3 min. / yesterday at 6:00 p.m.
Drainage gallery
Construction work continues on a drainage gallery. Experts hope that this system will slow or stop the slide of the village and the mountain. If this fails, the village will not be habitable in the long term.
It is also a matter of ensuring the long-term security of the Albula railway line, the Albula roads and the Julier Way and various infrastructures, the government emphasizes. A preventive plan for the relocation of the residents is planned in the event that some, or even all, of the residents should be forced to leave the village permanently, the cantonal executive declares.
On 12 May 2023, 84 Brienz residents were evacuated for the first time. On the night of June 16, 2023, 1.2 million cubic meters of rock broke from the mountain. The mass of rocks stopped just before the village. Residents were able to return home at the beginning of July.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Geologist Dr. Anna Weber on the Landslide Threat in Brienz
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Weber. Thank you for taking the time to discuss the recent evacuation order in Brienz. Can you start by explaining the significance of the landslide threat that residents are currently facing?
Dr. Anna Weber: Good afternoon! It’s a pleasure to be here. The situation in Brienz is indeed alarming. We are looking at an unstable mass of up to 1.2 million cubic meters of rock that is now at risk of falling onto the village. This mass is much wetter than the one that caused the previous landslide in June 2023, making it more dangerous. The acceleration of its movement poses a significant threat to the safety of the residents.
Time.news Editor: That sounds very serious. What can you tell us about the potential impact of such a landslide if it reaches the village?
Dr. Anna Weber: If this landslide were to occur, it could reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, which is incredibly fast. The impact could be catastrophic, potentially resulting in either partial or complete destruction of the village. Given the current conditions, it’s crucial to evacuate the residents as a precautionary measure.
Time.news Editor: The authorities have placed the region in an “orange phase” and are only allowing residents until the evacuation deadline. How does this phase inform the residents about the risks they face?
Dr. Anna Weber: The “orange phase” indicates a heightened risk and suggests that immediate action is required. For the residents of Brienz, this means they must evacuate not just for their safety but to allow emergency services to assess and address the situation without the added risk of civilian presence. Clear communication from local authorities helps residents understand the severity of the threat.
Time.news Editor: I understand that up to 80 residents are being affected by this evacuation. What support is being provided to them during this challenging time?
Dr. Anna Weber: The local government is taking commendable steps by offering emergency aid of 500,000 francs to assist residents in finding temporary accommodation and cover any movement costs. They are also actively seeking out local community members who can help house evacuees, which is critical for maintaining some sense of community support during this difficult transition.
Time.news Editor: There are also ongoing construction efforts for a drainage gallery. Can you elaborate on its intended function and significance?
Dr. Anna Weber: Absolutely! The drainage gallery is an essential intervention aimed at managing water flow in the potentially unstable area. By diverting water away from the mass of rock, it should help slow down or even stop the movement of the landslide. However, if this solution fails, it will likely mean that the village won’t be habitable in the long term, which is why immediate efforts are so crucial.
Time.news Editor: Given these conditions, what advice would you give to local authorities and residents in similar situations facing natural disaster threats?
Dr. Anna Weber: My primary advice would be to prioritize safety through timely evacuations and strong emergency preparedness plans. Local authorities should maintain clear and consistent communication, ensuring residents are informed about the risks and the actions needed. Additionally, investing in geological monitoring systems can help provide early warnings for such threats, allowing communities to prepare before disaster strikes.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Weber, for sharing your insights on this critical situation in Brienz. It’s vital for communities to understand the risks they face and the importance of proactive measures in ensuring safety.
Dr. Anna Weber: Thank you for having me. It’s important to raise awareness about these issues, and I hope the best for the residents of Brienz in navigating this difficult time.