Glacier collapse devastates Swiss village, sparks climate alarm
Disaster in the Swiss Alps: a cracking glacier has buried the entire village of Blatten. Residents were evacuated several days prior to the tragedy; however, one man is considered missing. Drone recordings and photographs reveal the scale of the destruction, and experts describe it as a "disaster of the millennium" while warning that climate change may lead to more such incidents.
What you need to know
- The disaster occurred on Wednesday afternoon, when an enormous mass of rocks and ice broke away from a height of nearly 13,000 feet, obliterating the village of Blatten.
- The evacuation of residents began as early as 19 May. A 64-year-old man who went missing during the disaster could not be rescued.
- The destruction is immense – over 90% of Blatten's buildings were destroyed, and the valley has turned into a field of rubble.
How the disaster in the Alps occurred
On Wednesday at 2:30 pm GMT, an enormous mass of rocks and ice broke away from a height of nearly 13,000 feet, destroying nearly the entire village of Blatten. Three million cubic metres of rocks and ice moved with a roar, carrying the Birchgletscher glacier along with them.
The authorities of the canton of Valais confirmed that over 90% of the buildings were destroyed. Drone footage revealed a debris field stretching hundreds of metres.
Evacuation efforts began as early as 19 May, with approximately 300 residents being urgently relocated from the village. One person could not be rescued. Rescuers searched late into the evening for a 64-year-old man who was believed to have been in the village.
Can Blatten be rebuilt?
The disaster in Blatten is not only a local tragedy but also a symbol of how swiftly the most beautiful places can disappear. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter emphasised that "there is nothing worse than losing your homeland." Although the state has provided support, there has been no discussion of rebuilding. Initially, what remains must be uncovered. The task force is seeking alternative accommodation for the evacuated families.
Experts have no doubt that this was an unprecedented disaster. Councillor Stéphane Ganzer describes it as a "disaster of the millennium."
Mount Kleines Nesthorn had long been showing signs: cracking, slipping, breaking. Finally, it gave way, depositing about 10 million tonnes of rocky material on the glacier's surface.
Climate change is causing glaciers to melt more quickly, and the permafrost is also thawing, the BBC portal reminds us. Experts warn that this may be just one of many impending disasters; other Alpine towns and villages may be at risk.
