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The picturesque village of pont Canavese is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating landslide that occurred in April, triggered by relentless torrential rains. The incident has cast a long shadow over the future of the popular “via Ferrata” of Borgata Sarro, a climbing route cherished by locals and tourists alike.
A Decade of Adventure Now at Risk
Constructed a decade ago through the collaborative efforts of the Pont Canavese municipality, the Pontese mountaineering club, and a private benefactor, the via ferrata stretches approximately 700 meters. It offers climbers a thrilling experience, navigating towers, rocky peaks, and even a Tibetan bridge
along the rugged cliffs at the entrance of the Orco Valley. Its unique challenges and stunning views have made it a favorite destination for adventure seekers.
Mayor Coppo Addresses Council on infrastructure Damage
during a recent city council meeting, Mayor Paolo Coppo addressed the extensive damage inflicted upon Pontese public infrastructure by the severe weather events of April 16th and 17th.These damages compound the losses already suffered by numerous private citizens.
The damages were several, located in via Partisan, in Pianrastello and Montont, on the streets for the villages Panier and Raie, in via Beckeotti where he sold a stretch of mule track… While in via Santa maria a piece of the last dirt road of the road has collapsed, and now also a stretch of the underlying sewer risks flourishing downstream and thus it will be necessary to intervene to avoid it.
Mayor Paolo Coppo, Pont Canavese City Council
The mayor detailed the widespread impact, noting damage to Via Partisan, Pianrastello, Montont, roads leading to Panier and Raie, and Via Beckeotti.he also highlighted the collapse of a section of Via Santa Maria,threatening the underlying sewer system.
The Fate of the via Ferrata: Restoration Unlikely
The news regarding the via ferrata is notably grim. According to Mayor Coppo, the landslide has effectively destroyed the climbing route, rendering restoration highly improbable.
In sarro, however, the mountain has collapsed and now the ferrata is gone… and almost certainly it can no longer be restored because the rock is marched and has divided into two. Now we will see together with the region what to do under the landslide; Probably with the big boulders that came down to the valley, you think you do a sort of valley so that where to fall, something else, what not to be excluded, can be stopped.
Mayor Paolo coppo, Pont Canavese City Council
The geological instability of the area poses a critically important challenge. Discussions are underway with regional authorities to explore potential mitigation strategies, including the construction of a barrier to contain further landslides. Landslides are becoming increasingly common due to climate change. According to a 2023 study by the European Environment Agency, the frequency of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, has increased by 15% in the last decade, leading to a rise in landslides and other natural disasters.
Safety Concerns and Evacuation Orders
Adding to the urgency, a residential property sits just meters from the landslide’s edge. The gaping wound on the mountainside presents a visually alarming sight, raising serious safety concerns for residents. As a precautionary measure, mayor Coppo issued an order on April 19th, declaring the via ferrata unusable and prohibiting access to the affected area.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding and Recovery
The community of Pont Canavese now faces the daunting task of rebuilding and recovering from this natural disaster. The loss of the via ferrata represents not only a recreational amenity but also a potential blow to the local economy, which relies on tourism.The focus now shifts to assessing the full extent of the damage, implementing safety measures, and exploring options for future progress that prioritize the safety and well-being of residents.