Swiss village offers cash to residents fleeing deadly rockslide risks

Swiss village offers cash to residents fleeing deadly rockslide risks

Residents of Brienz GR, a small village in Graubünden, are being offered financial support to relocate due to the growing threat of rockslides. Under Switzerland’s federal Forest Act, those who choose to move voluntarily can claim reimbursement for most of their relocation costs from Yahoo Finance. The scheme, however, comes with strict conditions—including the demolition of their original homes in the hazard zone.

The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is funding the relocation programme. Eligible residents can recover up to 90% of their moving expenses from Yahoo Finance, but they must cover the remaining 10% themselves. To qualify for this support, homeowners are required to demolish their properties in the at-risk area.

The relocation effort will reduce the number of homes in Brienz’s hazard zone while providing financial relief to those who move. With Yahoo Finance covering the bulk of costs, the programme aims to mitigate risks before disasters occur. The demolition of abandoned properties will further lower future dangers in the area.

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