Storm in La Chaux-de-Fonds leaves visible traces
Published: Friday, Jul 12th 2024, 09:20
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One year after the devastating storm in La Chaux-de-Fonds on July 24, 2023, traces of the devastation are still visible in the town in the Neuchâtel Jura. The most visible damage is to the trees, of which around 2,500 had to be felled or pruned.
"In terms of safety, we have nothing to reproach ourselves for, because nobody could have imagined such a storm over a town or even on a mountain peak," Jean-Daniel Jeanneret (FDP), a local councillor in La Chaux-de-Fonds, told the Keystone-SDA news agency.
"The anemometer stopped at 217 km/h. That was completely out of the norm. Overall, the city held up well given the severity of the events," he continued.
Lasting memories
One year on, people are still anxious about the possibility of severe weather. "People were used to extreme weather in winter, but now they're scared in summer too," added Jeanneret.
One person was killed in the disaster when a crane toppled over on a construction site in the station district. Around 40 people were injured. Most of the buildings in the region were damaged.
As a former conservationist, Jeanneret was deeply affected when he saw the historic bell tower of the Temple des Eplatures swept away by the storm. The erection of a new tower on July 3 was a "very moving moment" for him.
"This was possible thanks to the generosity of a number of donors and Léonard Gianaddas in particular. He got in touch very quickly and contributed a significant amount," explained Jeanneret.
Donations of 4.6 million francs
By June 1, the watchmaking city had received a total of 4.6 million francs in pledges and donations, which were paid into the three funds opened by the city for trees, parks and reconstruction. Swiss Solidarity provided 200,000 francs. The Red Cross pledged an amount for third parties who had to deal with residual costs that were not reimbursed by the insurance companies.
"Around 3.4 million francs will be used for the trees, thanks to 900 donors who have transferred between 10 and 700,000 francs," said City Chancellor Floriane Mamie. The public sector has also shown its solidarity. The city of Geneva, among others, financed 400 new trees.
Winterthur made planting in the Bois-du Petit Château possible. The city in the canton of Zurich transferred 150,000 francs to its twin city so that 100 new trees could be planted.
Reconstruction on track
The damage to the trees amounted to a total of 5.25 million francs. According to the buildings insurance company, the damage to buildings is estimated at just under CHF 120 million with almost 3,000 reported claims. Private insurers had to pay out tens of millions, mainly for vehicles.
"A certain number of the affected buildings still need to be renovated, even though the majority have been repaired. The two very badly affected companies in Crêt-du-Locle are on the home straight with the work, which should be completed by the end of the summer," said Jeanneret. The work on the roofs in the watchmaking town should be completed by next year.
©Keystone/SDA
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