A tiny mountain village in Switzerland has narrowly averted disaster after a huge rockfall stopped within centimeters of its buildings.
This picture taken on June 16, 2023 shows a view of Brienz, Switzerland, after a massive landslide that spared the village. (Photo by ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
On May 12, authorities had evacuated all 86 residents – plus the cows – in Brienz after scientists warned about an imminent landslide.
This picture taken on June 16, 2023 shows the church of Brienz, after a massive landslide that spared the village. (Photo by ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
And on Thursday June 15, two thirds of the rock on the mountain crashed down to the ground.
This picture taken on June 16, 2023 shows the church of Brienz, after a massive landslide that spared the village. (Photo by ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
Authorities said more than two million cubic meters of rock had come down.
Fortunately, there were no reports of damage – yet.
This picture taken on June 16, 2023 shows the church of Brienz, after a massive landslide that spared the village. (Photo by ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
Authorities say that the remaining million cubic meters of rock is still not stable, and residents will have to wait before returning home.
This picture taken on June 16, 2023 shows the church of Brienz, after a massive landslide that spared the village. (Photo by ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
Officials say the mountain and the rocks on it have been moving since the last Ice Age, but movement has accelerated in recent months, potentially due to climate change.
An helicopter flies next to a massive landslide that spared the village of Brienz, far-eastern Switzerland, on June 16, 2023. (Photo by ARND WIEGMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
