A devastating glacier collapse has buried the Swiss village of Blatten under ice, mud, and rock. This catastrophic event followed a precautionary evacuation, leaving about 90% of the village destroyed. Search efforts are underway for a missing 64-year-old man, utilizing drones in the affected area. Swiss Environment Minister Albert Rösti described the incident as extraordinary and assured government support for those affected.
The collapse also triggered a 3.1 magnitude earthquake and created a dam, leading to fears of a flood from the Lonza River. Authorities have evacuated nearby communities to prevent further casualties should the dam break. This natural disaster underscores growing concerns about glacier instability due to climate change, as Switzerland faces significant glacier volume loss.
Local leader Matthias Bellwald remains optimistic, calling for rebuilding efforts despite the disaster's scale. Swiss officials, including President Karin Keller-Sutter, have pledged assistance, and the military has been deployed to help manage the crisis. Experts highlight the melting of permafrost as a contributing factor, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action.
