The European village is at risk. Prepares an evacuation plan
Black clouds hang over a charming village in the Alps. It’s all because of the rock formation, which is becoming less and less stable. Here’s what to expect.
Historic places created by nature almost always look beautiful, attract tourists and create a unique character. However, sometimes due to climate changes or difficult weather conditions, they deteriorate and lose their stability. This happened, among others, from the so-called an elephant’s trunk in Taiwan that completely fell into the sea. Now a village in Switzerland is at risk.
The village may disappear in a landslide
A tragedy may occur in the Swiss town of Kandersteg in the Alps. Although it is mainly associated with picturesque views and carefree relaxation, it is now becoming more and more dangerous. There was a risk of a huge landslide of the unstable rock formation Spitze Stei.
The threat is great because the volume of the rock is estimated at 15-20 million cubic meters. According to experts, part of the structure may slide down the slope into the valley, and the consequences will be very serious. Currently, Kandersteg is inhabited by approximately 1.3 thousand people. people, and there are many steep peaks and glaciers in the area.
They are preparing an emergency plan
Although the landslide may occur gradually and Spitze Stei is constantly monitored, the authorities are already warning residents and informing about a possible forced evacuation. Despite planning for the worst, many people try to lead a normal life there. “You are aware that this is happening, but you are not afraid,” said Brigitte Jüni, one of the residents of Kandersteg, in a conversation with the media.
Citizens are reassured by the fact that scientists have control of the situation, but they realize that the forces of nature can be unpredictable. According to experts, the threat is related to the melting of glaciers in the Alps and the increase in temperatures that have been observed in recent years. Until now, frozen water in the ground and rocks acted as a binder that stabilized the formations.
This is yet another situation of this type in Switzerland. Earlier, evacuation was necessary in the Loetschental valley because a landslide almost completely wiped out the town of Blatten. “Maybe one day we will have to leave some valleys or villages because life there becomes impossible,” said Nathan Solothurnmann, a climate and energy expert at Greenpeace Switzerland, about the situation in the Alps.
