A massive glacier collapse on the Birch Glacier almost completely buried the village of Blatten in the Lötschental.
A massive glacier collapse on the Birch Glacier almost completely buried the village of Blatten in the Lötschental.
On 28 May 2025, a natural disaster of historic proportions occurred in the Swiss canton of Valais: a massive glacier collapse on the Birch Glacier almost completely buried the village of Blatten in the Lötschental.
The course of the disaster
The events began with a slow landslide on the Kleiner Nesthorn, in which around nine million tons of rock fell onto the Birch Glacier below. This enormous pressure eventually led to the collapse of large parts of the glacier. On the afternoon of May 28 at around 3:30 p.m., a huge avalanche of ice, mud and debris broke loose, reaching the valley with a blast wave and burying Blatten under it. The seismic tremors corresponded to an earthquake of magnitude 3.1 .
Effects on Blatten
Thanks to early evacuations, which were ordered on May 19 due to the unstable situation, all of the approximately 300 inhabitants could be brought to safety. Nevertheless, one person is missing. About 90 percent of the village, including the church and numerous residential buildings, were destroyed.
Other dangers from the Lonza River
The debris masses blocked the Lonza River, forming a dammed lake. Persistent rain increased the risk of dam failure and possible flooding in the low-lying communities of Wiler and Kippel. For safety reasons, buildings near the river were evacuated there.
Reactions and support
The Swiss government was deeply affected. Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed her sympathy to the residents. Environment Minister Albert Rösti and Defense Minister Martin Pfister assured logistical and military assistance. The army was sent to assist in securing the Lonza bed.
Causes and long-term prospects
Experts see climate change as one of the main factors for the instability of the small nesthorn. The thawing of the permafrost and extreme weather conditions have accelerated the geological processes. Although there is a risk of further break-offs, the authorities hope that the situation will stabilize.
Despite the loss of his home village, Mayor Matthias Bellwald was determined: "We have lost the village, but not the heart." The reconstruction of Blatten will be an enormous challenge, but the cohesion of the community and the support from outside give reason for hope.
For more information and current developments, please visit the official channels of the municipality of Blatten and the canton of Valais.
Author: MF_Redaktion
Source: Swiss Radio and Television (SRF)+1
Author: MF_Redaktion
Source: Swiss Radio and Television (SRF)+1
