Swiss village evacuated for 10 years due to remaining bombs

A series of explosions near Mitholz, deep in the Swiss Alps south of Bern, began shortly before midnight on December 19, 1947, according to Reuters.

Nine people died as waves of shock shook the valley and debris fell on houses, destroying the city centre and railway station.

Although Mitholz was soon rebuilt, some 3,500 tonnes of air bombs, mines and hand grenades remained at the mountain military depot.

Ammo experts have declared the reserve unstable, with the potential to trigger another tragedy.

The removal of bombs, which will cost 900 million Swiss francs (834m euros), will not start until 2030, but Swiss leaders today describe plans to assess the value of Mitholz property next year to damage about 170 people who will be forced to evacuate.

Mitholz's “Trusters must leave and depending on how things progress for more than 10 years, the government said.

The Swiss Defence Ministry will support people affected by evacuation, especially in preparations for their departure.

Not all Mitholz residents want to leave their homes, local government official Mattias Schmidt told Reuters. Some fear that they may no longer return, while the long - term uncertainty of where people will move makes things difficult.