Canton Valais has announced initial emergency measures following the deadly fire in Crans-Montana.
Each victim who was hospitalized or died will receive immediate financial assistance of CHF 10,000.
The canton has also opened a donation account and plans to create an independent foundation to manage and distribute the funds.
In addition, the government has decided to ban pyrotechnic devices in venues open to the public and is coordinating with municipalities to strengthen safety measures.
Geneva hosts two vital diplomatic meetings today
For at least 48 hours, Geneva becomes the world’s diplomatic epicentre, hosting two sets of high-stakes talks at the same time.
Snowfall grips Alps - high avalanche warnings almost everywhere
Heavy snowfall is tightening its grip across the Swiss Alps, triggering deadly avalanches and major disruption.
Snow derails train - injures 5
A train derailed near Goppenstein in canton Valais after an avalanche swept across the line yesterday morning.
Train travel remains disrupted in Lausanne
Train travel between Geneva and Lausanne remains problematic today.
High franc - high cost for business
Pressure is mounting on the Swiss national bank to intervene to slow the franc's relentless rise.
Economy grows a little
Switzerland’s economy edged up by 0.2 per cent in the fourth quarter, according to an initial estimate from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
