A glacier in the Swiss Alps has collapsed, burying most of the village of Blatten in mud, rock, and ice. The disaster followed the break-off of a large section of the Birch Glacier, located above the Lötschental valley in southern Switzerland. Authorities confirmed the landslide covered around 90 per cent of the village area.
מפולת קרחונים נדירה התרחשה באלפים, 90% מכפר שווייצרי נקבר כתוצאה מכך >> https://t.co/OVamZUYJKX pic.twitter.com/BDxVhruCoh
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Blatten Residents Had Been Evacuated
Regional officials had ordered the evacuation of Blatten’s 300 residents on 19 May after geologists detected increased glacier movement. Livestock was also relocated. Swiss national broadcaster SRF reported drone footage showing Blatten almost fully submerged under mud and debris. The deluge also covered the Lonza riverbed, causing fears of water blockage.
Local Authorities Confirm Village Destruction
“What I can tell you at the moment is that about 90% of the village is covered or destroyed, so it’s a major catastrophe that has happened here in Blatten,” said Stephane Ganzer, head of security for the southern Valais region. He added, “There’s a risk that the situation could get worse,” highlighting concern over the blocked river.
Village destruction caused by the avalanche
Search Continues for Missing Resident
Regional police confirmed that a 64-year-old man is missing following the slide. Emergency teams have launched search and rescue operations. Authorities sealed off the main road into the valley and warned people to stay away due to the unstable terrain.
Drone Footage Reveals Village Ruins
SRF aired images showing shattered wooden buildings buried in earth, with the Lonza River submerged. Homes, infrastructure, and forested valley sides lay covered by the landslide. “An unbelievable amount of material thundered down into the valley,” said Matthias Ebener, a local authority spokesperson.
Mayor Vows to Rebuild Village
“We’ve lost our village,” said Matthias Bellwald, the mayor of Blatten. “The village is under rubble. We will rebuild.” Officials expressed concern over long-term impacts on the community and local ecosystem.
National and Regional Response Mobilised
The Swiss army was deployed following earlier warnings from experts about glacier instability. Swiss Environment Minister Albert Rösti called the incident “an extraordinary event” and announced federal support for displaced villagers. President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed condolences, stating on X, “It’s terrible to lose your home.”
Glaciologists Warn of Worsening Risks
Swiss glaciologists have repeatedly warned about accelerated glacier retreat due to rising temperatures. Experts link the Birch Glacier’s collapse to climate change. Switzerland holds the most glaciers in Europe, many shrinking due to prolonged warming trends. In 2023, Brienz village residents were evacuated before a similar rockslide occurred. Authorities later ordered a second evacuation due to further instability.
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Wider Implications for Alpine Regions
The Valais regional government said the glacier break-off also buried the Lonza River, increasing the risk of flooding. Geologists continue to monitor the slope for further movements. Emergency services remain on high alert amid fears of additional collapses.
Evacuation Credited with Saving Lives
Officials stressed that early evacuation likely prevented loss of life in Blatten. Authorities had monitored the Birch Glacier after detecting signs of accelerated glacial motion. Despite the destruction, all 300 residents had left before the landslide struck.
Community Faces Long Recovery
With most homes destroyed, Blatten’s residents face a prolonged period of rebuilding. Roads remain closed and the area remains inaccessible. Local and national authorities pledged to support recovery efforts. Climate researchers are calling for urgent mitigation to prevent similar disasters across the Alpine region.
Global Focus on Climate Impact in Alps
Glacial melt in Switzerland continues to draw global concern. Scientists have recorded sharp glacier loss across the region in recent years. Alpine towns increasingly face risks of rockslides, floods, and ice collapses. The Birch Glacier event highlights the fragile state of high-altitude ecosystems in warming climates.
Authorities Urge Continued Caution
Rescue teams remain stationed near Blatten as the terrain remains unstable. Experts warned that blocked river flow could trigger further damage. Authorities continue aerial assessments of the valley and nearby slopes. The region remains under restricted access until conditions improve.
