On May 28, 2025, the Alpine village of Blatten in the south of Switzerland experienced a devastating event when a large section of the birch glacier collapsed, sending a massive flow of ice, rock, mud and flood currents on the slope of the mountain. The impact buried approximately 90% of the village, which shelters around 300 residents, under thick debris, which caused urgent evacuation.
Despite in -depth research efforts using a drone equipped with a thermal camera, a 64 -year -old man remains missing. According to information reported by Earth on earthThe situation has raised serious concerns about the potential flood risks in the surrounding areas.
Thaw the instability of permafrost and glaciers
Experts bind the collapse to the thaw of permafrost driven by global warming. Scientists had observed the instability of the rocks of weeks before the event, the loose rocks falling on the glacier and causing a movement. Matthias Huss, responsible for monitoring glaciers in Switzerland, stressed that unexpected changes – very due to climate change – occur in stable areas for centuries. The rise in temperatures increases water infiltration between rocks, reducing cohesion and accelerating erosion, which contributes to landslides.
Risks of growing flooding of the blocked river
The landslide has created a natural dam 2 kilometers long blocking the Lonza rivercausing a lake quickly swelling behind. The water levels increase by about 80 centimeters per hour, with estimates of up to one million cubic meters of water accumulating daily. The authorities have declared the state of emergency, a serious warning flood risks If the unstable debris dam fails. Antoine Jacquod, a military security official, described the risk of an ice jam that could flood the valley below.
Neighboring villages Boom And StegWith others downstream, were evacuated as a precaution. An artificial downstream dam has been emptied to accommodate reflux, but the authorities emphasize the danger of debris in the unstable deposit, which currently prevents direct intervention in the disaster zone.
Emergency response and community impact
The army is ready with the water pumps, the diggers and the heavy equipment to help when the conditions allow. Helicopters are used for the evaluation of damage, while livestock is transported by plane from affected areas. Residents remain in shock. Martin Henzen, a Blatten room, said that most are calm but deeply affected by the extent of destruction, noting that even if they were preparing for a natural disaster, they did not expect one of this magnitude. Jonas JEITZINER, a manager of the neighboring village of Willer, described the shock of the community as deep, with restoration efforts that are just beginning.
