The families of Brienz, a small Swiss village, were packing their belongings on Wednesday after authorities issued an evacuation order due to the threat of a possible rockfall from a nearby alpine mountain. According to the authorities of Brienz, the preventive evacuation was recommended before noon on Sunday.
Christian Gartmann, a member of the crisis management council of the town of Albula, explained that the 90 inhabitants of the village were quickly preparing to leave their homes. Additionally, he reported that the villagers had been advised to take essential items with them, such as computers, winter clothing, and school and work materials, for a possible evacuation that could last up to six months.
Despite the possible threat of a rockfall, the residents of Brienz were reluctant to leave their homes, as they have lived there for generations. However, the authorities are taking steps to reduce the risk, such as work to relieve the pressure of water underground that has destabilized the rocks, thereby providing reassurance to the village's inhabitants.
Although options like a controlled explosion to reduce the risk of a larger rockfall have been ruled out, there are still 1.2 million cubic meters of rock that pose a threat. Authorities have already organized temporary accommodation for residents outside the village and have clarified that no compensation for damage to personal belongings is planned, as the evacuation is due to natural reasons.
The evacuation is a necessary precautionary measure due to the risk posed by the mountain to the village of Brienz, and although some residents have expressed discontent with the order, authorities emphasize that the safety of the population is the priority.
