The highest Forest Fire Alert is issued for several Swiss regions; rents continue to skyrocket in Switzerland ; plus other news in our roundup this Tuesday.
Government issues Level 5 Forest Fire Alert for several Swiss regions
As the heatwave continues, the risk of wildfires has now reached its highest level for parts of Valais and Graubünden.
In terms of fire risk, Switzerland’s hazard map has been largely coloured red – signifying ‘high’ danger’ since last week.
With the continued heat and drought, it has now turned dark red in some areas.
MeteoSwiss
Hazard level 5 has been declared in several parts of Valais, particularly around Sion, Zermatt, and Brig. The same applies to parts of Graubünden, especially around Chur and the Lower Surselva region.
As a reminder, a ban on setting fires is also in force in the 26 Swiss cantons.
Rents continue to skyrocket in Switzerland
Not only has the cost of Swiss properties gone up, but renting has also become more expensive, according to figures released on Monday by Homegate real estate platform.
While the upward trend is nationwide, rents have increased more in some regions than in others.
By canton, Nidwald’s increase – at 8.3 percent – is highest in Switzerland, followed by Graubünden (6.7).
Rents are also rising at a sustained pace in Geneva (5.3 percent) and Zurich (3.3 percent).
Switzerland sends 40 million francs too much of state pension benefits to recipients abroad
Though Switzerland is trying to ensure that the AHV/AVS state pension remains sustainable in years to come, and its funds are no depleted for future generations, it continues to make payments to people who are not entitled to these benefits.
This is the alarming finding of a report by the Swiss Federal Audit Office (CDF), which reveals that the pension scheme has been sending money to retirees who live in countries with which Switzerland has no reciprocal social security agreement.
The document also highlights the significant difficulties Switzerland has had in recovering the funds that were paid out in error.
Switzerland could revolutionise dental care
Researchers from the universities of Basel and Zurich have developed a small dental robot capable of automatically preparing teeth for crown placement.
During the procedure, the robot – named MIR – handles the drilling.
During the initial tests on models made of synthetic resin and hard ceramic, this ‘mechanical assistant’ demonstrated ‘astonishing skill and remarkable precision’, researchers report.
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