The most common natural hazards in Switzerland include:

• Flooding: Switzerland has many rivers and lakes. Heavy precipitation or snowmelt can lead to flooding.
• Earthquakes: Switzerland is located in a seismically active region. Earthquakes can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure.
  
• Landslides and mudslides: Steep mountain slopes and changing weather conditions can trigger landslides and landslips, which can block roads and put buildings at risk.
  
• Avalanches: There is a risk of avalanches in the snow-covered areas of the Swiss Alps. They pose a risk not only to winter sports enthusiasts, but also to infrastructure and settlements.
  
• Falling stones and rockslides: mountainous regions are prone to falling stones and rockslides, which can pose a risk to traffic routes and settlements.
  
• Hail: Hailstorms can occur during the warmer months and cause significant damage to agricultural crops and vehicles.
  
• Thunderstorms: in Switzerland, they can go hand in hand with lightning strikes, heavy rain and strong winds. This can cause damage to buildings, trees and infrastructure.
  
• Gales: A gale can cause damage – particularly in flatter areas of Switzerland – by toppling trees, blowing off roofs and damaging infrastructure.
  
• Snowstorms: Snowfall and snowstorms can obstruct traffic and disrupt everyday life in winter.
  
• Heat waves and drought: Climate change is causing prolonged heat waves and drought, which can have an impact on agriculture, the water supply and the health of the general population.
  

Reasons why natural hazards occur:

• Flooding: heavy rainfall, snowmelt, human activity such as deforestation
• Earthquakes: tectonic plates moving or volcanic activity
  
• Landslides: high levels of precipitation, rapid snowmelt, soil erosion or human activity
  
• Avalanches: snowfall, temperature fluctuations, unstable snow cover
  
• Hail: strong updraughts within thunderstorms
  
• Thunderstorms: warm and cold air masses interacting, rising moisture condensing, electrical discharges (lightning)
  
• Gales: differences in air pressure and temperature between different regions
  
• Snowstorms: cold air masses meeting humid air, snowfall, strong winds
  
• Heat waves and drought: long-lasting areas of high pressure, low levels of precipitation, evaporation
  

Measures to protect against natural hazards in Switzerland:

• Flooding: Avoid building near rivers or floodplains. Invest in flood protection. Find out about current flood warnings and evacuation plans.
• Earthquakes: Pay attention to earthquake regulations when constructing buildings and infrastructure. Follow the earthquake safety recommendations.
  
• Landslides: Avoid building on steep slopes and in areas with severe soil erosion. Monitor soil stability and take protective measures if necessary.
  
• Avalanches: Heed avalanche warnings and avoid areas that are prone to avalanches. Wear avalanche gear during outdoor activities in snow-covered areas.
  
• Hail: Protect agricultural land with hail nets or using other measures. Park vehicles in sheltered areas to avoid hail damage.
  
• Thunderstorms: Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid exposed areas. Find out about thunderstorm forecasts and proper behaviour during thunderstorms.
  
• Gales: Secure roofs and structures to protect them from strong winds. Secure loose objects outdoors to prevent damage.
  
• Snowstorms: Stay indoors during snowstorms and postpone travel. Keep emergency supplies and thermal equipment ready.
  
• Heat waves and drought: Spend hot days in cool rooms and drink plenty of water. Be aware of local water restrictions and environmentally friendly practices.
  
• General measures: Find out about the specific natural hazards in your region. Use national and local warning systems and emergency plans. Take part in natural hazard prevention and management community projects.
  

Useful insurance products that cover natural hazards include:

Damage caused by natural hazards is damage caused by storms, hail, avalanches, pressure caused by snow, rockslides, falling stones, landslides and flooding. Depending on the damage, different insurance products cover the damage.

• Buildings liability insurance: This covers damage to neighbours’ vehicles, for example, if a storm blows a tile off your roof. 
  
• Comprehensive vehicle insurance: This covers damage to your own car if it is damaged by hail, for example.
  
• Coverage of natural events in household contents insurance: This covers damage to furniture (e.g. damage to furnishings after flooding).