Storm Flood causes only minor damage in Uri

The heavy rainfall and the resulting flooding of the Reuss caused only minor damage in the canton of Uri at the weekend. The emergency plans implemented after the major floods of 2005 have proved their worth, according to a statement from the cantonal building department.

The flood situation in Uri is easing, according to the press release issued on Monday. Thanks to the rapidly falling levels of the Reuss, the A2 highway did not have to be used as a drainage corridor.

However, the Seedorf spillway was put into operation. The water then flows onto agricultural land in a controlled manner. The building authorities described the damage to the Reuss dam and the adjacent meadowland as minor.

The storm also had a mild outcome in the Ursern Valley. Despite a high volume of runoff, there was only little damage to fields and infrastructure, according to the press release.

The construction department is calling on the population to continue to avoid bodies of water, riverbanks and steep slopes.

A total of 132 emergency services from nine fire departments, the Civil Engineering Office, the National Roads Office and the police were deployed in the canton of Uri due to the flooding.