ADDS LATEST DEATH TOLL
By Muhammet İkbal Arslan
VALAIS, Switzerland (AA) – At least four people are dead and another is missing due to floods and landslides in the southern Swiss cantons of Valais and Ticino caused by heavy rains and melting snow.
Police in Ticino confirmed that three people had lost their lives in a landslide in Maggia Valley while one person remains missing.
The police statement also noted that a bridge in the valley had been submerged and that several people had been airlifted from a nearby campsite.
Around 300 people who were in the area for a local football tournament are expected to be airlifted to safety soon.
In Valais, police reported that the body of a person who had previously been reported missing had been found in the Saas-Grund area.
Both cantons have reported damage to buildings and vehicles because of the severe weather conditions.
Swiss Confederation President Viola Amherd took to the social media platform X to share updates on the situation, saying the storm had caused significant damage in many parts of Switzerland.
"My thoughts are with those affected. The situation remains tense. Please take care of yourselves and follow the instructions of the authorities," Amherd said.