A significant avalanche comprising rock and ice cascaded down a mountainside near the Alpine village of Blatten in Switzerland, triggering a massive mudslide that resulted in substantial damage. The incident occurred on a Wednesday, coating much of the village in thick brown sludge and submerging numerous homes and buildings. Authorities had already evacuated residents earlier in the month due to concerns over the stability of the Birch Glacier above the town.
Footage shared on social media and Swiss news channels depicted the dramatic scene, with regional police reporting a 64-year-old man missing amidst the chaos. Search and rescue teams have been mobilised, utilising drones equipped with thermal cameras in hopes of locating the missing person.
Stephane Ganzer, head of security in the Valais region, described the situation as a “major catastrophe,” stating that approximately 90% of Blatten is either covered in mud or has been destroyed. The landslide, which has also buried part of the nearby Lonza River bed, raises concerns about potential flooding due to blocked water flows.
The Swiss government is taking immediate action, with Environment Minister Albert Rosti acknowledging this as “an extraordinary event” and promising assistance to those who lost their homes. As the army has been called to help, officials warn of the possibility of further deterioration in conditions given the ongoing risk presented by the glacier’s movement.
The local population, evacuated as a precaution for their safety, involved around 300 residents as well as livestock. The aerial and ground assessments are beginning, focusing on damage evaluation. Swiss glaciologists have previously raised alarms regarding the accelerated retreat of glaciers in the country, largely attributed to global warming, which may have contributed to this dangerous situation. The urgent response from authorities highlights the unpredictability and challenges posed by extreme weather events in the Alpine region.