The slide speed of the Brienz slide high above the village of Brienz/Brinzauls has continued to increase. If development continues like this, the “island” area must be expected to be canceled. At a meeting with residents of the village, the municipality discussed the phases of an evacuation and answered questions from those affected.
The slide rate of the “island” section high above Brienz/Brinzauls has increased to such an extent since Easter that the island will break off if development does not calm down again. Current developments indicate that demolition of up to 1.9 million m3 of rock is expected in early summer to summer of the year. The municipality of Albula/Alvra has therefore recommended that residents of the village prepare for an evacuation. At a meeting with residents of Brienz/Brinzauls, the municipality discussed the phases before a possible event that could endanger the village:
Green phase (today)
The village is inhabited. There is no immediate danger in the settlement area.
Yellow phase
Within two to six weeks, an event is expected which could endanger the village.
- The municipality announces the “Yellow Phase”.
- Members of the JRC must be ready for action at all times.
- Residents must prepare for evacuation.
Phase Orange
Within one to three weeks, an event is expected which could endanger the village.
- The municipality decides on the evacuation and announces it immediately.
- A public information session is taking place.
- The village must be completely evacuated within three days from the announcement of the evacuation.
- The access roads to Brienz/Brinzauls are blocked.
- As far as the security situation allows, residents are given temporary access to the village during the day.
Red phase
An event that could endanger the village is imminent.
- There is a total ban on entry to Brienz/Brinzauls.
- The two westernmost houses in Surava are being evacuated.
- The traffic routes along Albula (road and rail) and the Tiefencastel-Lenzerheide cantonal road below Vazerol are temporarily closed.
Until the moment of a demolition, it is not possible to predict the shape and speed in which the breaking rock masses will move downhill and which areas they will reach. Therefore, in the event of an incident, the village must be evacuated for safety reasons.
Brienz/Brinzauls is currently in the green phase. The village is inhabited and there is no immediate danger in the settlement area. Those responsible in the municipality are in constant contact with the early warning service. The municipality will be notified immediately if the event is still pending two to six weeks. She then announces the “yellow phase.”
It cannot be ruled out that the “Yellow phase” will have to be announced in just a few days or weeks.
Message from the municipality of Albula/Alvra dated May 3, 2023/22:00
Christian Gartmann is a member of the Albula/Alvra community leadership team and is responsible for communication.