Rockslide Buries Village of Elm in Switzerland
September 11th, 1881
September 11th, 1881

How Long Ago?
143 years, 6 months, 4 days ago
Location
Elm, Glarus, Switzerland
Category
Natural Disasters
Links & References
Tags
Rockslide Buries Village of Elm in Switzerland
In Glarus, Switzerland, a devastating rockslide struck the village of Elm, burying a significant area under debris. The slide destroyed 83 buildings and resulted in the loss of 115 lives. Initiated by heavy rainfall and geological instability, this natural disaster reshaped the community and the local landscape. The aftermath left survivors grappling with the loss and a village that needed to be rebuilt amidst the desolation and mourning.
Heavy rainfall triggered the rockslide.
Over 83 buildings were destroyed in Elm.
115 lives were lost in the disaster.
The event reshaped responses to geological risks.
What Happened?
In the small village of Elm, located in the Glarus region of Switzerland, residents faced an unforeseen calamity as a massive rockslide swept down from the surrounding mountains. The incident was triggered by continuous heavy rainfall that altered the geological stability of the area, leading to the catastrophic event. As massive boulders and debris cascaded down, they buried homes and infrastructure, devastating the community completely.
The sheer magnitude of the rockslide resulted in the destruction of 83 buildings, leaving families homeless and in despair. Rescue efforts were immediately launched, but the scale of the disaster posed significant challenges. With 115 lives lost, including many families, the community found itself in mourning as they coped with the aftermath and the destruction left behind. The local government and various organizations were tasked with providing relief and beginning the reconstruction of Elm.
This tragic event attracted attention beyond Switzerland, highlighting the vulnerabilities of mountainous regions to natural disasters. Such incidents prompted discussions about better safety protocols, early warning systems, and improved geological studies in similar areas to prevent future catastrophes. Histories of rockslides in the region were revisited to understand the risks involved better. Elm's landscape would eventually be transformed not only by the recovery efforts but also as a reminder of nature's overwhelming power.
Why Does it Matter?
The rockslide in Elm had significant implications for geological safety measures in mountainous regions. Its widespread destruction served as a wake-up call leading to improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. In the wake of this tragedy, training and resources were mobilized to ensure that similar disasters could be better anticipated and mitigated in the future.
Discover More Historic Events from September 11th
Hurricane Francine Strikes the Gulf Coast
Hurricane Francine, a Category 2 storm, made landfall in the Gulf of Mexico, impacting several coastal communities. It was characterized by sustained winds reaching 100 mph and heavy rainfall, leading to significant storm surge. This powerful hurricane resulted in widespread power outages and substantial damage to infrastructure, prompting emergency response teams to deploy quickly. The storm's impacts were felt most acutely in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, as residents prepared for evacuation and sought refuge from the dangerous weather conditions.
Continue ReadingDerna Flooding After Dams Collapse
Storm Daniel caused catastrophic flooding in Derna, Libya, by collapsing two major dams, leading to an overwhelming loss of life with over 11,300 fatalities. The storm, which had gained intensity, released torrential rains, overwhelming the city. This natural disaster struck an area already facing political instability and humanitarian crises, exacerbating the suffering of the local population.
Continue ReadingCrane Collapse at Masjid al-Haram Mosque
A construction crane collapsed into the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, resulting in the deaths of 111 individuals and injuries to 394 others. The crane fell due to severe winds that were recorded at the time, and it struck the mosque during a busy period leading up to the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Emergency services responded promptly to assist those affected and conduct rescue operations amidst the chaos following the incident.
Continue ReadingDeadly Fires Claim 315 Lives in Pakistan Factories
In Pakistan, two separate garment factory fires resulted in the tragic loss of 315 lives. The fires occurred in Karachi and Lahore, with workers unable to escape due to lack of adequate safety measures. The disasters highlighted serious safety violations within the garment industry, prompting outrage and calls for reform. The incidents underscored the risks faced by workers in Pakistan's economy, heavily reliant on garment exports.
Continue ReadingAttack on U.S. Embassy in Benghazi
The U.S. embassy in Benghazi was attacked by militants, resulting in the deaths of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens. This assault occurred during a period of heightened tensions across the Middle East, following the release of an anti-Islam film. The attack raised significant security concerns for U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide, leading to a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Continue ReadingTen Years Later, 9/11 Memorial Opens
A dedication ceremony at the United States National September 11 Memorial welcomed family members of victims on the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks in New York City. The memorial, featuring cascading waterfalls and reflecting pools, stands in the footprints of the Twin Towers. This significant ceremony invited families to privately view the memorial for the first time, honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost in 2001. Remarks were given by various officials, including President Barack Obama, emphasizing remembrance and resilience.
Continue Reading