The flood of the Ovel da Tegiatscha on Sunday moderately damaged the historic “Forum Paracelsus” drinking hall in St. Moritz-Bad. The technology of the “Ovaverva” sports center was largely spared. Two cars were damaged in the underground car park of a hotel. The total loss is likely to amount to several hundred thousand francs.
The masses of water that entered St. Moritz's Ovaverva sports center on Sunday afternoon did less damage there than feared. Only the technology of the water slides was affected. Extensive cleaning work takes place on Monday in the basement with the cloakrooms and fitness center. Whether the center can be reopened on Tuesday will be decided on Monday afternoon. On Sunday, several hundred visitors were in the center when those responsible began the precautionary eviction for safety reasons.
Within an hour, the ovaverva was cleared in an orderly manner. The historic Forum Paracelsus was hit harder: Engadin tourism once began here at the healing spring of St. Moritz. The ancient wooden spring frame, which is on display in the Forum, was lifted out of its anchorage by the penetrating water and floated up. The relic from the Bronze Age must be restored. Experts from the Graubünden Archaeological Service have already started their work. Water damage was also caused to the building.
Fire brigade, police and private workers work hand in hand
Two cars were damaged in the underground car park of a hotel. All other vehicles could be recovered before large amounts of water entered the garage. In a private underground car park, the penetrating water caused major contamination. Fire brigade, police and specialist companies were able to prevent further damage on Sunday with almost 100 emergency services, numerous vehicles and pumps and quickly pump out penetrated water. The neighboring Klinik Gut and the spa center were thus protected from flooding. Electricity and water supplies were not affected.
On Monday, individual units of the fire department were still deployed. The operating costs and damage to infrastructure for municipalities, companies and private individuals are likely to amount to several hundred thousand francs. A more precise calculation is not yet possible. The community leadership team thanks all emergency services and was demobilized again on Monday afternoon.
Press release from the municipality of St. Moritz dated July 8, 2024
Christian Gartmann supported the municipal management staff and the municipality of St. Moritz in communication work on the floods of July 7, 2024 and in coping with their consequences.