Lavizzara flood: hazard zones plan approved

Context

In brief

• Lavizzara hazard plan approved on April 22
• 7 dead and 1 missing in the 2024 flood
• Technical analysis for future scenarios

Key facts

• What: Hazard zones plan for Lavizzara
• When: April 22, 2025
• Where: Municipality of Lavizzara, Ticino
• Who: Ticino State Council
• Amount: Not specified

On April 22, the Ticino government adopted the Hazard Zones Plan for the Municipality of Lavizzara, concerning the phenomenon of flooding and riverbank erosion of the Peccia and Maggia rivers. The Vallemaggia has returned to normal, but the images of what happened in the night between June 29 and 30, 2024, are still vivid in many people's minds, when a downpour turned the life of an entire community upside down, destroying the territory and causing the death of seven people, while a young man from the valley is still missing.

Immediately after the tragedy in Vallemaggia, there was an extraordinary mobilization to help the community. The authorities moved to prevent a similar situation from recurring. In November 2025, the Department of Territory presented to the population of the Municipality of Lavizzara the hazard maps of the watercourses of Val Lavizzara and Val di Peccia affected by the tragic flood of June 29-30, 2024.

Technical analysis and future scenarios

To the inhabitants of the Municipality of Lavizzara, the Canton wrote on November 14, 'the results of the technical analyses, historical research, and the numerous on-site inspections carried out throughout this year have been illustrated, which have made it possible to define future hazard scenarios, both for the lateral streams and for the Peccia and Maggia rivers.' The reconstruction of what happened and the hazard maps 'represent a fundamental element for defining the final restoration and reconstruction interventions, whose design is already underway, as well as for adapting the territorial planning to the risk scenarios highlighted and to perfect the Communal Emergency Plan.'

Now this hazard zones plan has been adopted by the State Council, as published in today's Official Gazette, referring to a decision of the executive dated April 22. In detail, the Official Gazette states that the Government has adopted 'the Hazard Zones Plan of the Municipality of Lavizzara, concerning the phenomenon of flooding and riverbank erosion of the Peccia river (Sant'Antonio and Piano di Peccia), the Lavizzara river (Mogno) and the Maggia river (Prato Sornico, Lovàlt and Broglio) and the phenomenon of debris flow of the slope watercourses in the locality of Sant'Antonio (Corona di Corte and Öir), Piano di Peccia (Sovénat and San Carlo), Mogno (Ri di Röd and Mognòla) and Prato-Sornico (Ri Scudau and Bosco di Casa).'

Against the adoption decision, 'the right of appeal to the Cantonal Administrative Court, Lugano, is granted within the term of 30 days. The appeal has no suspensive effect.'

A dramatic summer

The summer of 2024, we remember, was characterized by two violent downpours, which occurred a week apart. Before Vallemaggia, in fact, on the evening of June 21, the bad weather hit the Mesolcina, devastating the territory and causing the death of three people.

Operational details

Implications for the Community and the Territory

The approval of the hazard zone plan represents a fundamental step for the safety and planning of Lavizzara's territory. The technical analyses and on-site inspections carried out have made it possible to precisely identify the risk areas and define the necessary interventions to prevent future disasters.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before the flood, Vallemaggia did not have a detailed plan of the hazard zones. The tragedy of June 29-30, 2024, highlighted the need for a more robust emergency plan and better territorial planning. The hazard maps now approved represent a significant step forward in managing hydrogeological risk.

Future Scenarios and Planned Interventions

The approved plan includes restoration and reconstruction interventions, as well as adjustments to territorial planning to adapt to the risk scenarios highlighted. These interventions aim to prevent future floods and protect the local community. The authorities have already started designing the final interventions, which will be implemented in the coming months.

Community Involvement

The population of Lavizzara has been involved from the beginning in the process of defining the hazard zone plan. The authorities have presented the results of the technical and historical-geological analyses, involving the community in planning the interventions. This participatory approach is fundamental to ensuring that the measures adopted are effective and accepted by the local population.

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Key points

What to do now: procedures and deadlines

With the approval of the hazard zone plan, it is important that the community of Lavizzara is aware of the measures adopted and the procedures to follow in case of emergency. The authorities have published the details of the plan in the Official Gazette, which include the risk areas and preventive measures.

Appeal to the Cantonal Administrative Court

An appeal against the decision to adopt the hazard zone plan can be made to the Cantonal Administrative Court of Lugano within a 30-day deadline. The appeal does not have a suspensive effect, meaning that the plan will come into force even in the event of an appeal.

Next steps and interventions

The authorities have already started the design of the final restoration and reconstruction interventions. These interventions aim to prevent future floods and protect the local community. Territorial planning will be adapted to the risk scenarios highlighted, and the Municipal Emergency Plan will be improved.

Useful tools

For further information and to plan your actions, consult the hydrogeological risk calculator and the insurance comparator. These tools will help you better understand the risks and take the necessary measures to protect your property and your family.

Source: ticinonews.ch