Tragic Floods in Misox, Switzerland: Body of Missing Man Found as Search Continues for Others
A devastating thunderstorm in the south-eastern Swiss town of Misox, located in the alpine valley of Graubünden (Grisons), has led to tragic consequences, with the body of a man being found and searches ongoing for two other missing individuals. The storm, which struck on Friday night, caused rivers to overflow, flooding streets and prompting the evacuation of several dozen residents.
Initial Reports and Rescues
Initially, four people were reported missing in the aftermath of the floods. A woman was discovered under rocks and promptly taken to a hospital in Lugano. The body of a man was found eight kilometers (5 miles) from where he was last seen, according to police reports on Sunday. The search for the remaining two individuals continues, but authorities have expressed low expectations of finding them alive.
The floodwaters had a devastating impact on the community, sweeping away three houses and three vehicles. It is believed that the missing individuals were at home when the disaster struck. The police spokesman highlighted the dire situation, emphasizing the low probability of locating the remaining missing persons alive.
Further west, the renowned alpine resort of Zermatt has been cut off by floodwaters. Dramatic footage from Zermatt, located at the base of the iconic Matterhorn mountain, shows torrents of water raging through the streets. The Swiss government’s weather service reported that 124 mm (4.88 inches) of rain fell in the area on Friday, with the majority occurring within a single hour. This intense rainfall event is said to occur only once every 30 years.
The flooding has caused significant disruptions to transportation, with train services between Visp and Zermatt suspended and the road between Täsch and Zermatt closed, rendering the resort completely inaccessible. Authorities had anticipated some overflow and had restricted public access to the banks of the Rhône and its offshoot rivers starting on Friday.
Rescue teams continue their efforts to locate the missing individuals and assist affected residents. The severe weather has prompted authorities to remain vigilant and take further precautions to ensure public safety.
The severe floods in Misox and the surrounding regions underscore the devastating impact of extreme weather events on communities. As rescue operations continue and the community begins to recover, the tragic loss of life and the significant damage serve as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such disasters.