In a devastating turn of events, heavy rainfall in southeastern Switzerland triggered a landslide on Saturday, leading to the loss of one life. The severe storms that swept through the southern part of the country caused widespread flooding and destruction, prompting authorities to evacuate hundreds of people in the Valais canton.

Rescue efforts were focused on finding two individuals who went missing during the deadly landslide in the Graubünden canton. Tragically, one body was discovered by the police, while the search for the remaining two continued. The affected area, particularly the Mesocco and Calanca valleys, witnessed the evacuation of multiple households due to the landslides, resulting in the destruction of their homes.

The village of Mesocco experienced further distress as streets were flooded, adding to the already dire situation. Miraculously, one missing woman was found unharmed on Saturday morning, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.

The impact of the severe weather was also felt on infrastructure, with a 200-meter stretch of the A13 highway to Italy being destroyed. The Swiss President, Viola Amherd, expressed her shock at the extent of the damage and extended her thoughts to those affected. She commended the tireless efforts of the emergency personnel battling the ongoing crisis.

Meanwhile, in the southwestern canton of Valais, the town of Zermatt, a popular tourist destination near Matterhorn, faced isolation as rail traffic was suspended for over 24 hours due to flooding. Schools in Zermatt were also forced to close temporarily. However, there was relief as train services were gradually restored, reconnecting the town with the outside world.

The Vispa river, a crucial tributary of the Rhone, overflowed its banks, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency for the Rhone and its associated waterways. Marie-Claude Noth-Ecoeur, the head of the Valais branch of the civil protection service, stated that by late Friday, around 230 people had been forced to evacuate their homes. The rescue efforts involved over 200 firefighters and 50 civil protection workers.

The Swiss authorities initiated emergency measures to address the heavy flooding in the Valais canton, recognizing the urgency of the situation. With rivers bursting their banks and threatening nearby communities, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and providing assistance to those affected.

As the rescue operations continue and the affected areas assess the full extent of the damage, Switzerland rallies together in the face of this natural disaster, demonstrating resilience and unity during these challenging times.