Since last Saturday, April 20, 2013, the Italian town of Courmayeur Mont Blanc lives under the threat of a huge 645,000 m³ landslide.
The two villages of La Palud and Entrèves, on the north side of the town lie in the direct path of the slide, that is expected to descend from Mont de la Saxe (2348m).
A pre-alert status was implemented last weekend, with the closure of three car parks including the La Palud and the Mont Blanc Telepherique. For now, access to Val Ferret road remains open.
Detailed plans are in place to evacuate 90 families, with attention to individual special requirements and designated reception points.
A similar threat in 2009 did not result in a landslide, but it did raise awareness of the seriousness of the threat. State of the art monitoring systmes were put in place, providing 24 hour reporting.
But for now, the commune of Courmayeur is waiting.
Website of the municipality of Courmayeur
Source Le Dauphiné
