Severe weather in Switzerland 2005
Vom 19. bis 23. August 2005 wurde die Schweiz von extremen Regenfällen heimgesucht. In mehreren Regionen fielen innerhalb weniger Tage über 200 bis 270 Millimeter Niederschlag. Die Böden waren stark durchnässt, das Wasser konnte kaum versickern. Die Folge: Flüsse und Bäche traten über die Ufer, es kam zu Überschwemmungen, Erdrutschen und Murgängen.
A natural disaster with dramatic consequences
From 19 to 23 August 2005, Switzerland was hit by extreme rainfall. In several regions, more than 200 to 270 millimetres of rain fell in just a few days. The ground was heavily saturated, and water could hardly seep into it. As a result, rivers and streams overflowed, causing flooding, landslides and mudslides.
Central Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland, parts of Graubünden and eastern Switzerland were particularly affected. Entire villages, such as Engelberg, Brienz and Klosters, were flooded or damaged by landslides. In the city of Bern, the low-lying Matte district had to be evacuated. The Gotthard road and several major roads were blocked. Electricity and drinking water supplies were also interrupted in some areas.
In total, more than 2,500 people were temporarily displaced and six people lost their lives. The damage to property was estimated at around three billion Swiss francs, making this event one of the most costly natural disasters in Switzerland since records began.
National solidarity: 49 million francs in donations
On 31 August 2005, Swiss Solidarity organised a national day of solidarity in collaboration with the SSR. The public responded very generously: a total of over 49 million Swiss francs was raised.
In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, the funds were used where state and insurance benefits were insufficient. Particular attention was given to:
more than 100 small, financially fragile municipalities in ten affected cantons;
approximately 580 individuals and small businesses severely affected by the storms;
non-profit institutions and social organisations affected by the disaster.
![[Translate to English:]](https://www.swiss-solidarity.org/fileadmin/_processed_/d/1/csm_24010705_highres_3e42750fa1.jpg "[Translate to English:]")
[Translate to English:] „Mehrere Menschen waten durch Hochwasser und tragen Sandsäcke auf den Schultern, um gegen die Flut zu sichern.“
Distribution and impact of aid
Two years after the floods, most of the donations had been used. A total of 44.2 million Swiss francs, or 89% of the total amount donated, had already been distributed.
Here is an overview of the specific figures:
39.5 million Swiss francs were spent on aid to municipalities, in particular for the reconstruction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges and water pipes.
4.7 million Swiss francs were paid to around 580 private households and small businesses.
5.3 million Swiss francs were set aside for ongoing procedures, follow-up projects and a small reserve.
Aid applications were processed in collaboration with Swiss partner organisations such as Caritas Switzerland and the Swiss Red Cross. In the affected regions, experts worked closely with local committees responsible for distributing donations. In urgent cases, advances were granted to ensure rapid assistance.
Long-lasting effect
The aid provided by Swiss Solidarity has enabled many affected people to rebuild their lives. In the disaster-stricken communities, damaged infrastructure has been repaired, social institutions restored and small businesses supported. Donations have helped people who found themselves in need through no fault of their own, supplementing the benefits paid by insurance companies or the authorities.
Thank you to everyone involved.
Swiss Solidarity would like to thank all donors, volunteers, specialists and partner organisations for their commitment. The support of the public has made it possible to set up one of the most effective and significant national aid programmes in the foundation's history.