Alps
Inside Switzerland’s giant 3D model for predicting landslides
Researchers have built a large-scale 3D model of the Blatten region to improve predictions of landslides and other mass movements.
about 1 month ago · 1 source
Blatten
3D Blatten model aims to improve Switzerland’s landslide-risk planning
Researchers have built a detailed 3D model of the Blatten region to simulate landslides and improve hazard assessments for settlements and infrastructure. The project could help Swiss authorities refine early-warning and land-use decisions as extreme weather increases pressure on mountain communities.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Swiss courts
Bondo rockslide acquittals test accountability for Alpine hazards
A Swiss court has acquitted all five defendants over the 2017 Bondo rockslide, finding no clear evidence that an imminent disaster should have been recognised or that paths should have been closed. The ruling raises broader questions about liability, risk warnings and public decisions in increasingly unstable Alpine terrain.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Säntis
Rockfall threat prompts access restrictions on Säntis
Authorities have restricted access to parts of Säntis after identifying an unstable rock face that could collapse. The article would explain the danger zone, current travel restrictions and what the incident reveals about monitoring geological risks at heavily visited Swiss mountain sites.
The Local Switzerland
Bondo landslide
The trial over the 2017 Bondo landslide is entering its second day, with the defence seeking acquittal for the accused. Lawyers argue that the former mayor acted on expert advice before the rockslide killed eight people, setting up a closely watched debate over official responsibility for natural hazards.
SWI swissinfo.ch
environment
Faverges lake on Plaine Morte glacier empties safely through artificial drainage channel, demonstrating effectiveness of Swiss environmental engineering.
SWI swissinfo.ch
environment
Swiss authorities report significant increase in glacier fractures with movement reaching 10 meters per day
SWI swissinfo.ch
environment
Authorities report alarming 10-meter daily advance of Blatten glacier front, with nine million tonnes of debris threatening valley safety, prompting enhanced monitoring measures.
SWI swissinfo.ch
natural hazards
Experts warn of potential catastrophe as Birch Glacier above Blatten moves rapidly, carrying massive debris load threatening local communities
SWI swissinfo.ch
transportation
Second rockfall in a week interrupts train service between Täsch and Zermatt, highlighting increasing challenges of Alpine infrastructure maintenance.
SWI swissinfo.ch
