On Sunday morning, around 50.000 cubic meters of rock collapsed in the popular Ticino climbing area Denti della Vecchia near Lugano. Experts describe this as a rare event, but one that is becoming increasingly likely in the future due to the brittle rock.
In the Swiss canton Tessin, Early Sunday morning there was a major rockfall near LuganoAccording to initial estimates, several landslides near the Denti della Vecchia mountain range caused approximately 50.000 cubic meters of rock to erupt. No one was injured.
Rock becomes more brittle
Rockfalls in the region are actually a rather rare occurrence, but the Ticino cantonal geologist Andrea Pedrazzini warns the Swiss newspaper 20 Minutes of further eruptions: “The rock is becoming increasingly brittle.”
The climber Nicola Vonarburg documented the result of the eruption on Instagram. According to initial findings, around 20 climbing routes in the sector Nirvana destroyed, which collapsed in the landslide.
Alertswiss warning for residents & visitors
The Ticino authorities are currently warning via alertswiss, the Swiss warning app, advises people to avoid the affected area and not to visit it for hiking or climbing trips at this time. According to media reports, the extent of the rockfall was assessed by helicopter on Sunday, and no major damage was found.
That might interest you
- Spectacular mountain rescue on Mount Kenya
- "The Rätikon doesn't care how physically strong you are" | Nemuel Feurle scores against Silbergeier
+ + +
Credits cover photo: Nicola Vonarburg