In the small commune of La Rivière, Isère, a massive landslide occurred on Thursday evening, burying a section of the departmental road and prompting ongoing search efforts for potential victims.

The landslide, described as a "tsunami of earth" by local residents, blocked a vital route used by 7,000 vehicles daily.

Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, as the area was uninhabited and a nearby quarry had closed earlier in the day.

Experts believe the landslide may have been triggered by recent heavy rains and geological instability, with investigations underway to determine the exact causes.

Authorities warn that the road may remain closed for weeks, urging drivers to avoid secondary routes to prevent congestion.

The event is unprecedented for this location, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on geological stability in the region.