We are currently in the throes of extreme weather, after the storms we are now in deep snow (at least in the mountains), but because the temperatures are higher than normal the snow is melting and it is raining heavily. This is having dire consequence for the country as a whole. With river banks on the verge of breaking, in many areas we are now looking at the risks of floods. The masses of snow means that the avalanche risk is at its highest. Do not go snowshoeing or cross country skiing before checking local conditions. Many ski resorts have closed their slopes as a result of the avalanche risk.
The Gotthard Tunnel is now closed in both directions until Tuesday morning at the earliest due to a land slide caused by the snow and rain. Luckily no one was injured.
The 8 amateur speleologists trapped in the Hölloch (see yesterday’s Znüni News) are still stuck there. Help was able to reach them via an alternate route, but this route is deemed much too dangerous for the trapped men to escape by. They have to wait for the water levels to recede before they can leave the caves.
The World Economic Forum 48th annual meeting is starting today and will run until the 26th of January. This is the highlight of the shakers and makers of the world, the snow has been removed from the centre of the town by trucks, the snippers and high security guards are in place and the caviar and champagne has been delivered. Much has been made of Donald Trump’s attendance but actually this year will be a who’s who of the political scene with Emmanuel Macron, Jean-Claude Juncker, Angela Merkel, Justin Trudeau, Michel Temer, Benjamin Netanyahu and Theresa May amongst others also in attendance. Our own president Alain Berset will be there but has been snubbed by Jean-Claude Juncker who told him he didn’t have time to meet with him. The theme of this year’s conference is “Creating a shared future in a fractured world”. Should you wish to follow the debates and talks you can check out the WEF website for live streams here.
