The small town of Brienz in eastern Switzerland faced a sudden evacuation late Friday as authorities moved to clear the area amid a looming threat. a rock mass estimated at two million cubic meters from a nearby mountain could give way and bury the town within seven to 24 days, experts warned.
Switzerland’s alpine regions carry heightened risk reserves, especially as climate patterns shift. Snow atop the peaks melts faster, destabilizing rocks below. Although this mountain has long shown signs of geological strain, recent weeks have seen a noticeable acceleration over a broad area, raising concerns about potential rock falls and landslides.
Access routes near exposed rock faces and waterfalls have been closed, with warning signs posted to mark the danger and prevent entry. Geologists and technicians are closely watching the slope movements as authorities prepare for any possible scenario.
The town of Brienz, home to around 100 residents in the eastern Graubunden region, has been experiencing a slow but steady subsidence in recent decades. The ground has shifted a few centimeters annually, a pace that has quickened during the last twenty years. Now the landslide is progressing at roughly a meter each year, intensifying the risk and placing the village in a more precarious position.
Experts say the most probable trigger would be the detachment of loose boulders that might not reach the town yet could still cause significant damage if the rock face collapses. Authorities caution that a collapse cannot be ruled out entirely and that even a partial slide could harm or destroy portions of Brienz. Christian Gartmann, a member of the local crisis board, underscored that the risk remains real and unpredictable.
Albula’s and Brienz’s parish priest Federico Pelico noted that residents have grown accustomed to hearing the thunder of falling rock in recent years. He said the fear now feels more tangible, as people understand that a major event could occur at any time.
Officials estimate that as much as two million cubic meters of rock could slide or tumble in the next seven to 24 days. Evacuation measures have been put in place, with roads sealed off and warnings posted to deter travel through at-risk zones. Geologists and other specialists are monitoring the situation continuously to track changes in slope stability and to guide any necessary protective actions.
Investigations considered the feasibility of an artificial controlled landslide, but drilling beneath the rock was deemed too hazardous and ultimately impractical. Another concept involved constructing a massive rock-filled barrier, yet experts concluded it would require a structure at least 70 meters high to offer credible protection, making such a project infeasible within the current constraints.
The residents who have already evacuated are staying with relatives or friends in nearby communities. They are prepared to return temporarily if the risk subsides, but longer stays may be necessary if the danger persists. The situation remains dynamic, with authorities repeatedly updating residents as more data becomes available.
……
Contact details for the regional environment department were provided by the agency for public information, though no direct submission options are included here to protect privacy and safety during ongoing assessments.