Dam in the Verzasca valley – trespassers rescued in emptied Ticino reservoir – News

• An excursionist from German-speaking Switzerland ran into serious difficulties on Thursday in the canton of Ticino.
• It got stuck in the thick mud of the emptied reservoir in the Verzasca Valley and was blocked for a long time.
• The injured day trippers are now safe, the Ticino canton police said.

The police, Alpine Rescue Switzerland and a Rega team came to the aid of the man, as the message said. The 64-year-old was rescued in difficult terrain with a winch and then flown to a hospital for clarification. He suffered minor injuries.

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Legend:

For the first time since it was built 56 years ago, the reservoir in the Verzasca Valley will be completely emptied.

Keystone / Archives

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Legend:

While technicians are carrying out renovation work on the lake bottom, the lowered water level gives a clear view of an enchanted stone bridge.

Keystone / Archives

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Legend:

With a height of 220 meters, the Verzasca dam is one of the highest in Europe.

Keystone / Archives

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Legend:

Construction of the dam began in 1960 and the work was completed five years later.

Keystone / Archives

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Legend:

The small walls of the once fertile terrace gardens of Vogorno now reappear when the Verzasca is empty.

Keystone / Archives

This winter, the Vogorno reservoir in the Verzasca valley will be completely emptied for the first time in 56 years. Renovation work is being carried out on the lake bed. The lowered water level immediately reveals a view of former vineyards and an enchanted stone bridge.

However, due to previous incidents, the Ticino police advise against getting too close. It warns of the difficult, slippery terrain and the risk of getting stuck in the mud.