Devastating Landslide: How a Partial Glacier Collapse Obliterated 90% of a Swiss Village

Geneva — A 64-year-old man is still unaccounted for after a massive glacier collapse in Switzerland. On Wednesday, a huge mass of rock and ice fell down a mountainside, devastating the village of Blatten.

Dust and debris filled the air as nearly the entire village—about 90%—was buried under mud. Local officials described the scene as chaotic. “An unbelievable amount of material thundered down into the valley,” said Matthias Ebener, a spokesperson for local authorities.

Mayor Matthias Bellwald expressed his heartbreak at the loss. “We’ve lost our village,” he said. “The village is under rubble. We will rebuild.”

Authorities have been on high alert, previously evacuating around 300 residents and their livestock due to concerns that the 52 million-cubic foot glacier above Blatten could collapse. Swiss glaciologists have warned that rising temperatures are causing glaciers in the region to melt at an alarming rate. In 2023 alone, Switzerland lost about 4% of its glacier volume—the second largest annual decline since 2022, which saw a drop of 6%.

This situation reflects a broader trend. The landlocked Alpine country houses the most glaciers in Europe, and scientists are closely monitoring the impacts of climate change. A study from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology highlighted that warmer summers are accelerating glacier melting. This presents not just environmental concerns but also potential risks for communities below.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the missing man, utilizing drones equipped with thermal cameras to aid in the effort. The local police have raised alarms about rising water levels in the nearby Lonza River, further emphasizing the precarious nature of the situation.

Videos circulating on social media depict homes nearly submerged in thick mud. The images serve as a reminder of the immediate threats posed by climate change and natural disasters.

As the community of Blatten grapples with this disaster, the narrative echoes the urgent call for awareness and action surrounding climate issues. The world watches as they begin the arduous path to recovery and rebuilding.

For a deeper understanding of the impacts of climate change, visit the IPCC’s Climate Change 2022 report.

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Glacier, Landslide, Switzerland