Storms Cause Deadly Flooding and Landslides in Switzerland and Italy

Storms and heavy rain in Switzerland and northern Italy have led to severe flooding and landslides, resulting in at least four fatalities, authorities reported on Sunday. In the Italian-speaking Ticino canton, three bodies were found after a landslide in the Fontana area of the Maggia valley. The region experienced intense weather conditions on Saturday and overnight.

Camping sites along the Maggia River were evacuated, and part of the Visletto road bridge collapsed. Additionally, one person went missing in the nearby Lavizzara valley. Farther north, the Rhone River overflowed in several areas of Valais canton, causing flooding on a highway and a railway line.

Flooding in Switzerland

Police noted that side valleys south of the Rhone experienced particularly heavy rainfall. A man reported missing by his partner was found early Sunday at a hotel in Saas-Grund, an Alpine resort. Authorities believe he was caught off guard by the floodwaters. Another man has been missing since Saturday evening in the Binn area, near the Italian border.

In northern Italy, various regions also faced floods, thunderstorms, and landslides. Firefighters conducted around 80 rescue operations, evacuating dozens of people in the Piedmont region. Between Montanaro and San Benigno Canavese, two adults and a 3-month-old girl were rescued from their car after rising waters from the Orco torrent trapped them.

Rescue Operations in Italy

Several villages in the Valle d'Aosta region were isolated due to overflowing streams, storms, and landslides. Firefighters worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents affected by these natural disasters.

The body of a man was discovered early Sunday at a hotel in Saas-Grund after his partner had reported him missing. He is believed to have been taken by surprise by floodwaters. Another individual has been unaccounted for since Saturday evening in the Binn area, located near the Italian border.

The Rhone River's overflow affected multiple areas within Valais canton, leading to significant disruptions on both highways and railway lines. Authorities are working to manage the aftermath of these severe weather events.

Storms and heavy rain pounded southern and western Switzerland on Saturday and overnight. Camping sites along the Maggia River were evacuated, and part of the small Visletto road bridge collapsed.

Floods, thunderstorms, and landslides also hit various regions in northern Italy. Firefighters said they carried out about 80 rescue operations, evacuating dozens of people in the northern Piedmont region.

The severe weather conditions have caused significant damage across both Switzerland and northern Italy. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue operations proceed.