GENEVA — In a precautionary measure, officials in a small village in eastern Switzerland issued an evacuation notice on Saturday as a rockslide from the Alpine terrain presents a potential threat to local homes.

This marks the second time this community, known as Brienz, has faced evacuation orders, the first occurring last summer under similar conditions. Local authorities informed residents through a statement emphasizing the urgency of the situation, indicating, “The upper section of the rubble pile located above Brienz has shown a notable acceleration. It is possible that approximately 1.2 million cubic meters of rock debris could descend into the valley.”

Data gathered from the municipality’s early warning service revealed that the shifting rubble has been shifting at rates exceeding 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) daily at times since mid-September, as reported by the local public broadcaster.

Should the rate of movement increase, officials warned, an imminent threat to the village could arise. The historically rich village of Brienz sits at about 1,150 meters (3,800 feet) above sea level, straddling the border between German- and Romansch-speaking areas in the eastern Graubuenden region, and currently has fewer than 100 inhabitants.

According to local sources, the geological activity of the mountain and its rocky components has been occurring since the last Ice Age. Over the past century, the village itself has shifted several centimeters each year, with the pace notably increasing over the last two decades. Presently, the landslide is shifting nearly a meter (3 feet) each year.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant as potential development of this geological event could significantly impact their lives and safety. The community, characterized by its picturesque landscape and historical architecture, now faces uncertainty as geologists and local officials continue to monitor the situation closely.