A devastating landslide has largely buried the Swiss mountain village of Blatten, home to nearly 300 residents, after a glacier collapsed in the Swiss Alps on Wednesday afternoon. Geologists had previously warned that a rockslide was imminent, prompting the evacuation of all residents and livestock on May 19. Authorities confirmed that, as of now, one person remains unaccounted for following the disaster.
The landslide was triggered by the partial collapse of the Birch Glacier, which sent an enormous volume of ice, rock, and mud cascading into the Lötschental valley. Matthias Ebener, a spokesperson for local authorities, described the event: “An astonishing volume of material crashed down into the valley.” The village suffered extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure, with drone footage and social media videos showing widespread destruction and debris covering much of the area.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed her sympathy for the affected residents, stating: “It’s devastating to lose your home. My thoughts are with the residents of Blatten during this difficult time.” Authorities continue to assess the situation and have activated disaster relief resources, including the Swiss army.
The incident highlights the growing risks posed by climate change, which is causing glaciers to melt and permafrost to thaw at unprecedented rates, destabilizing mountain slopes and threatening communities throughout the Alps. Blatten’s evacuation and subsequent disaster mark a stark reminder of the vulnerability of high-altitude settlements in the face of environmental change.