A catastrophic event unfolded in the Swiss Alps on Wednesday when a massive glacier collapsed, unleashing a destructive landslide that buried most of the village of Blatten. This disaster followed a mandatory evacuation of the village’s 300 residents just nine days prior due to safety concerns related to the unstable glacier. At least one resident has been reported missing as emergency responders continue their assessment of the situation.
The landslide, caused by a significant rupture of the Birch Glacier, sent a torrent of ice, rocks, and debris cascading down the mountainside, effectively obliterating 90 percent of the village. Matthias Ebener, a spokesperson for local crisis management, confirmed that the glacier was estimated to be advancing between eight to eleven feet daily before the deadly event.
Footage captured by drones showcased the moment of collapse, revealing a sprawling cloud of dust that engulfed the surrounding areas. Mayor Matthias Bellwald expressed the profound loss felt by the community, stating, “We’ve lost the village, but not the heart” during a press conference addressing the disaster.
Stéphane Ganzer, a state councilor for the Valais Canton, elaborated on the destruction, articulating that efforts to rebuild would span several years. The severity of the incident registered as a 3.1-magnitude earthquake and raised alarms about potential flooding. Debris has blocked nearby riverbeds, posing additional threats of ice jams, compelling officials to consider further evacuations.
In light of the emergency, local leaders have sought military support to provide pumps and machinery necessary for debris clearance to mitigate flooding risks. The main route to Blatten is now closed to all except residents, complicating recovery efforts.
The village had been under significant threat in recent weeks, prompting the evacuation of livestock and locals alike. Remarkably, images emerged demonstrating rescue efforts for displaced animals, including airlifting an injured cow, which sparked widespread attention on social media.
This incident parallels previous threats faced in the region, notably in 2023 when the nearby village of Brienz narrowly escaped a similar fate, exemplifying the increasing vulnerability of Alpine communities due to climate change impacts.
