Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Mudflow Buries Homes in Savoie Village, Rail Link Shut Between Chambéry and Albertville

Heavy rain with a rapid thaw mobilized debris left by a recent slope failure.

Overview

  • A night-time debris flow hit Fréterive on November 23, sending up to about two meters of mud and rock across properties over stretches approaching 200 meters.
  • Firefighters evacuated residents including a retired couple who were uninjured, and authorities offered temporary rehousing.
  • The municipality set up a command post, installed protective blocks for threatened homes, and began a cleanup expected to take several days.
  • Train service on the valley line was halted until further notice between Chambéry and Albertville after the track area was affected.
  • RTM and ONF experts linked the event to intense rainfall and thaw acting on material loosened by a November 4 landslide, overwhelming earlier mitigation works.