Samaritans from the Maggia Valley "When we heard the helicopters, it was clear that something was wrong"
When the storms devastated Ticino, the Samaritans in the Maggia Valley were on the front line. An eyewitness describes the dramatic events of the first hours and days.
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- Oscar Dadò from Ticino is a Samaritan in Cavergno in the Maggia Valley.
- He tells blue News about his first impressions after the storm in Ticino.
- Volunteer Dadò has one big wish: that all the missing people are found soon.
Where were you at the time of the storms?
At home in Cavergno in the Maggia Valley.
When were you called out?
As a Samaritan section, we don't have our own emergency number, we work closely with the fire department. When we received some information at 9 o'clock in the morning and realized how serious the effects of the disaster were, we made ourselves available at the fire station in Cevio.
How did your mission unfold?
We rushed to the ambulance station in Cevio. We stocked up the Samaritans there with equipment because the bridge had collapsed and they didn't have things like bandages, blankets or stretchers with them. We organized the material from our headquarters in Cavergno. We then supported the tourists and residents without shelter.
From there, did you support the people who were homeless because of the storm?
They walked to Cevio on their own, Rega brought people from the valleys. From there, together with the fire department, we took the people to the secondary school to - possibly - spend the night there. We were able to provide the people at the school with a first meal at lunchtime. In the evening, we were informed that the bridge was passable on foot again, so people were able to continue their journey.
What are the biggest challenges posed by the storm from your point of view?
The situation is slowly normalizing. The emergencies that occurred during the night or early in the morning have all been hospitalized by Rega. Since then, there have been no new emergencies. Our work on this side of the bridge for the municipality of Cevio and the surrounding valleys is focused on being ready for further missions in our catchment area. At the moment, it is more of a follow-up check of the situation than an emergency. The hospital with the doctor is in operation. We are currently evaluating whether the pedestrian bridge can also be used by cars. The emergency is guaranteed 24 hours a day, with ambulances and Samaritans.
Did you not notice anything of the storm?
No, because the region around Cavergno wasn't really affected. The river in Val Bavona had risen sharply, it had an incredible amount of water. The peak of the flood was probably reached during the night, because we had the feeling in the house that everything was shaking. The iron passerelle in front of our house was washed away. Just like other stairs in the region.
When did you realize the extent of the disaster?
When we heard the Rega helicopters flying in and out of the valleys at 1 a.m., I realized that something couldn't be right, something bigger must have happened. It can happen that a helicopter flies into Val Bavona. But not two at this time of day, that's when it clicked.
An unprecedented situation in Ticino?
We've never seen a situation this severe in Ticino before. There have been debris flows and landslides in the past, but never on this scale. But two valleys being devastated by severe debris flows at the same time is unprecedented.
What help does the region need most urgently?
Drinking water is currently being delivered to Val Lavizzara, we unloaded a truck with water this morning. There is also food. We were also able to fly water up into the valleys. Now we have to evaluate how we can reopen the roads.
The situation above Prato is not exactly known at the moment, so I can't say anything about that. The people there are isolated, as far as I know they don't even have electricity at the top of the mountain.
Getting back on their feet won't be easy. Two valleys have been devastated. Some people have lost everything.
A big compliment to all the authorities who have helped. We are only a small Samaritan section that has made itself available. The fire department stepped in straight away, arrived very quickly and helped. The municipality and all its employees were also fully involved. And the population actively helped out. Paramedics lent a hand to deal with the water. The police also did a great job. A big thank you to everyone who helped.
Your greatest wish?
My biggest wish? That all the missing people are found now!
