Village in Switzerland to be evacuated over Alpine rockslide fears

Authorities tell residents of Brienz to leave by Friday over concerns 2m cubic metres of rock will collapse

Authorities in eastern Switzerland have ordered residents of the village of Brienz to evacuate by Friday evening because geologists say a mass of 2m cubic metres of Alpine rock looming overhead could break loose and spill down in coming weeks.

Local leaders told a town hall and press event on Tuesday that residents would have to leave by 6pm on Friday but could return to the village from time to time starting on Saturday, depending on the risk level, but not stay overnight.