Bad weather: 180 million to support the most affected Swiss cantons

Post on: 02.06.2025

Following the bad weather, the Summer 2024 è was particularly dramatic for many regions of Switzerland, overwhelmed by torrential rains, landslides and hailstorms. Several Alpine and pre-Alpine areas suffered extensive damage. Among the most affected are Ticino, in particular the upper valleys such as Vallemaggia and Verzasca, Valais with flooding of the Rhone that affected vineyards and roads, Graubünden, where landslides compromised the road network. in Surselva and Engadine, the Canton of Uri with interruptions on the Gotthard railway line, and the Bernese Oberland.

According to the Federal Office of the The damage balance exceeded 250 million francs. The rains have also put many protection works already in crisis; existing ones, demonstrating that the frequency and Intensity Extreme events are putting a strain on public infrastructure.

Bad weather | CHF 180 million for reconstruction and prevention

In response to this situation, the Federal Council announced an extraordinary aid package of CHF 180 million in May 2025. Of these, 150 million will be used to repair damaged cantonal roads, bridges, railways and water systems. The remaining €30 million is earmarked for direct aid for farmers and tour operators, who have suffered losses in crops, pastures, shelters and shelters.

Another central objective of the investment è prevention. Part of the funds will be used in fact, to finance protection works against future extreme climatic events: these are anti-landslide barriers, strengthening of river banks, construction of retention basins and improvement of drainage systems in mountain villages. The cantons will have to submit detailed projects setting out the priorities by the end of June 2025. of intervention, the expected timing and the modalities; monitoring.

Bad weather | Cantons already; working on safety

Some cantons have already taken action; Activated. In the canton of Uri, work has begun to stabilize the rock faces along the Reuss valley, which is essential to ensure viability. on the Gotthard corridor. In Valais, new embankments are being built along the Rhône and advanced hydrometric warning systems. In Ticino, the municipalities of Cevio, Brione and Sonogno have started the safety of rural roads and the construction of mobile barriers against floods.

The Confederation has taken place; committed to covering up to 60% of the costs of these projects, based on a technical assessment shared with the cantons. The Objective è not only restore what has been damaged, but to sustainably improve the resilience of the territory.

A long-term climate strategy

This extraordinary intervention is part of the most important part of the Comprehensive Federal Climate Change Adaptation Plan for 2025 & 2030. Switzerland aims to strengthen the protection of residential areas and transport routes, and also to raise awareness among the authorities. premises on the importance of prevention. Federal Councillor Albert Rö sti underlined how extreme weather phenomena are no longer exceptions, but risk becoming the rule. For this reason, the importance of intervening now, to avoid much more serious damage. serious and expensive in the future.

Official sources for further information

For those who want more information, è You can consult the official page of the Federal Office of the Environment on climate strategy, the MeteoSwiss reports on extreme events and the latest Federal Council press releases.