Tragedy in the Alps: Glacial avalanche devastates Blatten
A tragic event occurred in the Swiss Alps. A rock-ice avalanche destroyed the village of Blatten, which had been evacuated earlier due to danger. One person is missing. "It's a complete disaster," assessed Franz Ruppen from the cantonal authorities.
As a result of a massive glacier fragment breaking off, the village of Blatten in the Swiss Alps was almost completely destroyed by the avalanche. "An incredible amount of material fell into the valley," said Matthias Ebener, a spokesperson for the local authorities in the south-western canton of Valais, where a state of emergency has been declared.
Disaster in the Alps
Blatten, inhabited by 300 people, was evacuated on 19 May after geologists warned of avalanche risk. According to the Swiss broadcaster RTS, residents had just 20 minutes to gather the most necessary items and leave their homes.
On Wednesday, 28 May, the worst happened. The avalanche hit, and drone footage and images show that 90% of the village was destroyed. Rescue services closed the road to Blatten, warning of the danger. Reuters reported that one person is missing.
"It's a complete disaster," assessed Franz Ruppen from the cantonal authorities. According to him, residents did not expect such a destructive avalanche. "Something unthinkable happened," wrote the municipal authorities on social media.
Increased avalanche risk
Climate change accelerates the melting of glaciers and permafrost, increasing avalanche risk. Glaciologists have been warning for years that alpine communities may be at risk. Blatten is not the first village to be evacuated. In 2017, near Bondo, there was a landslide that killed eight tourists.
Experts are concerned that Swiss glaciers may disappear within a century if global temperatures are not kept at a level no higher than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Scientists urge that this is a challenge for the whole world, requiring urgent action.
