Weather Alert: Bern (Switzerland), Severe Flooding Throughout Switzerland

Subject:

U.S. Embassy Bern – Weather Alert – Severe Flooding

Location: 

Switzerland

Event: 

Emergency services in numerous cantons across Switzerland are dealing with significant flooding issues. Severe flooding has been reported in Bern, Zurich, Basel, Uri, Vaud, Luzern, and elsewhere throughout Switzerland. Travel routes across the country have been affected. Within Bern, locations near the Aare River are closed, and streets are impassable.

Safety & Considerations:

All US citizens are encouraged to monitor local media and Swiss Government websites listed below, and review their travel plans for this weekend. While flooding in the city of Bern has been relatively minor, other locations have not been as fortunate

Immediate life safety concerns should be reported to the police at 117 and to Post 1 at 031-357-7777. Please share this information with your family members.

Actions to Take:

·        Exercise caution, and be aware of your surroundings

·        Review travel routes and times

·        Monitor local media:

o   Swiss Government Natural Hazards (German, French, Italian, English)

o   www.swissinfo.ch (English)

o   www.20min.ch (German, French, Italian)

o   www.bernerzeitung.ch (German)

·        Stay alert in public places, including schools, hospitals, churches, tourist locations, and transportation hubs

·        Keep a low profile

·        Avoid crowds

·        Avoid demonstrations

     ·        Review your personal security plans 

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Bern, Switzerland

031 357 70 11 (dialing within Switzerland)

+41 31 357 70 11 (dialing from overseas)

BernACS@state.gov

State Department – Bureau of Consular Affairs  

+1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada)

+1-202-501-4444 (from other countries)

·         Switzerland Country Specific Information

·         Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

·         Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates