Helicopter crews sprang into action on Friday to rescue scores of tourists stranded at the Saas Fee resort in Switzerland after a mudslide blocked road access until next week. The operation, led by Air Zermatt rescue and helicopter service, aimed to assist approximately 2,200 tourists, primarily Swiss nationals, who were trapped in the southern Valais region.
Authorities in Valais reported that heavy rainfall from Wednesday to Thursday caused rivers in the Saas Valley to overflow between Stalden and Saas-Balen, leading to the road closure. The closure is expected to last until early next week, leaving the tourists stranded at the resort.
Local TV footage showed the aftermath of the mudslide, with torrents of mud and rocks cascading across the road. On Friday, images broadcast by RTS depicted a long queue of people, many in hiking attire, waiting for helicopter flights to evacuate them from the area.
British and Belgian tourists shared their experiences with the broadcaster, highlighting the challenges they faced due to the natural disaster. Despite the difficult circumstances, some stranded individuals were seen making the best of the situation by enjoying drinks at a local restaurant.
An Air Zermatt spokesperson mentioned that the exact number of evacuees from the late-afternoon operation was not yet determined as the rescue efforts continued before nightfall.
