A massive landslide triggered by the partial collapse of the Birch Glacier has devastated the Swiss Alpine village of Blatten, covering approximately 90% of the settlement with mud, ice, and rock. The disaster occurred on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, after authorities had evacuated the village’s nearly 300 residents earlier in the month due to warnings of an imminent rockslide.
The landslide sent a colossal mass of debris down into the Lötschental valley, burying homes, infrastructure, and the nearby Lonza River bed. One man, aged 64, remains missing following the incident, with search efforts currently suspended due to unsafe conditions caused by ongoing falling debris.
Officials have expressed serious concerns about flooding risks, as the debris has blocked the River Lonza, creating a dammed lake that could threaten downstream communities. Emergency teams are monitoring the situation closely, deploying drones equipped with thermal cameras to aid in the search for the missing individual.
Experts attribute the glacier’s collapse to a combination of factors including permafrost thawing, accelerated melting due to warm temperatures, and the accumulation of rock debris on the glacier’s surface. Scientists warn that climate change is playing a significant role in destabilizing glaciers and increasing the frequency of such catastrophic events.
Local authorities have pledged to rebuild Blatten despite the extensive destruction, while Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter is expected to visit the area to assess the damage.
The tragedy highlights the growing vulnerability of Alpine communities to the impacts of climate change and the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and disaster preparedness.