Up to 5,000 Buildings in La Chaux-de-Fonds Damaged by Storm
Published: Tuesday, Jul 25th 2023, 17:00
Aktualisiert am: Freitag, 13. Oktober 2023, 14:12
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The devastating storm in La Chaux-de-Fonds has caused an estimated damage of 70 to 90 million Swiss francs to buildings alone. 4000 to 5000 of the 7500 buildings in the region were affected by the bad weather. The damage ranges from large-scale destroyed facades and torn off roofs to a few fallen roof tiles and broken windows. For some heavily affected factories in the industrial area of Crêt-du-Locle, the damage could even reach several million francs. In addition, numerous vehicles were destroyed or damaged by falling trees. The extent of these damages is still difficult to estimate for the insurers. Allianz Suisse estimated a total damage of twelve million francs, with 90% of the damage affecting the motor vehicle insurance. Axa estimated around 1000 insured vehicles damaged, with costs estimated at around four million francs, as well as 1200 property damages, mainly household items, with estimated costs of around three million francs. Mobiliar received over 400 damage reports within a few hours, with an estimated cost of over one million francs. Helvetia estimated damages in the low single-digit million range. Clean-up operations in the watchmaking city were in full swing the day after the storm. Thanks to the help of all mobilized emergency services, the situation is now under control. 375 people were deployed to clear away debris and restore infrastructure. No further injuries were reported, with 40 people injured in total. One person in a car died due to a fallen crane. Around 30 households were still without electricity and water on Tuesday afternoon. Bus traffic in the city was gradually resumed, while train traffic remained interrupted. More than 50 SBB employees were on site to repair the railway facilities. Due to the numerous damaged city and forest infrastructures, there is still a significant danger. The authorities called on the population not to enter the disaster areas and to avoid the vicinity of damaged roofs. They also advised not to handle electrical elements, especially damaged solar modules, as there is a risk of electric shocks and injuries. According to a preliminary estimate, 1600 hectares of forest were damaged by the storm. The police called on people who spontaneously intervene to clear access roads to exercise extreme caution.
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