Rainfall in the Swiss canton of Valais have caused severe flooding, isolating Zermatt and prompting evacuations as authorities raise alert levels.
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00:00Persistent rainfall, melting snow and saturated ground have caused significant flooding in
00:06Switzerland's Valais canton.
00:10Authorities are closely monitoring the Rhône river and its tributaries, which are at risk
00:13of overflowing, posing further flood and landslide threats.
00:19Swiss federal authorities have elevated danger levels to the second highest, urging people
00:23to avoid watercourses, bridges and travel near affected areas.
00:30The tourist hub of Zermatt, near the Matterhorn mountain, faced major disruptions as the Matterwisper
00:36river overflowed, isolating the village and closing schools since midday Friday.
00:46The village of Chipis was evacuated, where around 30 residents sought shelter overnight.
00:52Public access to Rhône river banks is restricted this weekend.