New Emergency Shelter Opened at Le Tour
Safety measures put in place in case of natural disasters
In 1999 a huge avalanche destroyed 17 chalets and killed 12 people in Montroc / Le Tour area, in what was described at the time as the worst avalanche to hit the Chamonix Valley in 90 years.
In case of any future natural disasters such as this, a safety plan has been put into place and an emergency shelter has been opened, underneath the chapel at Le Tour.
Deputy mayor in charge of security, Jean Louis Verdier, told Radio Mont Blanc "7 or 8 years ago, we were looking for premises in Le Tour as this area is very problematic in the winter. In a few areas we have to do “confinement” which means that people can’t stay in their chalets any more, they have to evacuate. So we had to find premises.
"The town councillor at the time, René Dufour, proposed a place to us which is located under the chapel. We refurbished it so we can put about 20 people in there. People can sleep there, and there are beds, toilets, a kitchen and we are going to stock it with a bit a food, knowing that it’s only for a few days and there are hotels [helping] too. There is a great solidarity so hotels help, restaurants help and after, of course, the city council covers the costs".
