Eight people missing after landslide in Graubunden

Eight people are missing following a landslide that forced the evacuation of a village in the Swiss Alps near the Italian border.

"In the region of Val Bondasca, eight people who were there at the time of the landslide have not been found," read the Graubünden cantonal police's statement.

"The missing persons are nationals from Germany, Austria and Switzerland," the police added. Graubunden, a canton in eastern Switzerland, is known for its dramatic Alpine scenery and winter sports.

Further loss of life was prevented due to an automated warning system that was installed in Bondo in 2012 and about 100 people were evacuated, some airlifted out with helicopters as the landslide sent mud, rocks and dirt flooding into the village of Bondo, near the Italian border.

As many as 12 farm buildings, including barns and stables, had been destroyed by the large amount of debris that moved near the top of Piz Cengalo, a granite peak that towers 3,369 metres above Val Bondasca, and thundering into the valley below.

The landslide on Wednesday morning sent mud, rocks and dirt flooding into the village of Bondo, near the Italian border. About 100 people were evacuated, some airlifted out with helicopters.