26 October 2026

On 28 August 2026 a severe hailstorm hit the Canton of Solothurn and caused more than 10,000 damage reports. On behalf of the Solothurn building insurer (SGV), the Earthquake Damage Organisation (EDO) documented around 290 buildings in Balsthal by drone within seven flight days. Each image was assigned automatically to the correct building, so the insurer’s estimators could assess the damage directly from their desks. Flights in rain and thermal imaging of damaged solar panels were tested in the field. For the EDO, the deployment was the first full-scale test outside an earthquake and a valuable rehearsal for a mass-claims event.

29 October 2025

After the landslide in Blatten in 2025, the Earthquake Damage Organisation (SOE) was quickly on the scene. The film shows how the SOE systematically records, assesses and documents damage to buildings – an important basis for authorities, insurance companies and the affected population. The SOE is active throughout Switzerland to manage the situation after earthquakes and other natural disasters. It provides support with expertise, coordination and efficient processes – so that damage can be quickly identified and the next steps taken.

12 October 2025

Following the devastating rockslide in Blatten in the canton of Valais, Swiss insurance companies are using drones on a large scale for the first time. The high-resolution images not only show the extent of the destruction, but also help to respond more quickly, document damage and learn lessons for the future – without the need for dangerous inspections.