Scree avalanche hits Gamsalm: wedding with happiness in misfortune!

Scree avalanche hits Gamsalm: wedding with happiness in misfortune!

A loud rumble of thunder that shook the idyll of the Gamsalm in Garmisch-Partenkirchen yesterday at 6:30 p.m. caused excitement and a blessing in disguise. As the Mercury According to reports, it was an avalanche of rubble that had fallen from the Gamskar. Fortunately, the Gamsalm, which is run by the tenant Sabine Ostler, was spared major damage, but the terrace was flooded with mud and gravel. At this point, around 60 wedding guests along with eight employees were celebrating a happy event.

The shocked Ostler immediately alerted the fire department when she heard the loud bang and saw the threatening masses of rock. Fortunately, there were no injuries or major damage to property inside the restaurant, which eased the situation somewhat. One disturbing detail Ostler noticed was the presence of permafrost ice nodules near the boulders. This could indicate changes in the environment facilitated by recent severe weather events.

Evacuations and clean-up operations

There were also problems in other towns in the region due to the violent thunderstorms over the weekend. The community of Ehrwald in Tyrol was particularly affected, where mudslides were also recorded. Loud Allgäu newspaper A total of 70 people had to be evacuated from the Gamsalm into the valley, including both wedding guests and staff. While the inside of the Gamsalm remained undamaged, the outside area was severely affected.

Mayor Markus Köck found that despite the critical situation, the all-clear could not yet be given. The morning after the incident, Ostler employees, together with numerous volunteers from Ehrwald, began cleaning up. Support came from the Ehrwald fire department and a local construction company. In order to minimize future risks, a large protective wall is being built around the Gamsalm. The debris on the slopes should also be removed at a rapid pace.

A look at the surroundings

In the wider area, for example in the Allgäu and the Tyrolean Lechtal, there were also mudslides caused by heavy rainfall and storms. Reports speak of closed streets in Hinterstein, where popular hiking destinations such as the Prinz Luitpold House can no longer be reached. Bus connections are also affected, which poses challenges for hikers as they have to make do without transport until midday on Monday.

Although the effects of the storm in the region were significant, Ostler found the event to be comparatively harmless. However, thanks to the quick reactions and support of local helpers, emergency services and the community, the worst appears to have passed. It remains to be hoped that the Gamsalm will soon be able to shine in its full glory again and that nature will calm down.