Landslide Danger Remains High in Switzerland

November 18, 2014

Swiss authorities say the risk of landslides remains a danger in drenched areas with two lakes near flood levels and abundant snowfall expected in southern Switzerland.

The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment is warning that water levels are climbing to dangerous levels in Lakes Maggiore and Lugano and landslides could occur in places hit by persistent rainfall.

The assessment Monday came a day after police said a landslide buried a residential building in the southern Swiss village of Davesco, near the city of Lugano, leaving two people dead, four injured and some missing. Heavy rain caused a hill to collapse and cover the building with masses of mud.

Authorities say almost continuous rainfall in Switzerland caused several weekend landslides in southern Ticino, but precipitation is expected to ease Tuesday.

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