In a catastrophic event that underscores the growing threats posed by climate change, the Alpine village of Blatten in Switzerland’s Valais canton was nearly obliterated on May 28 when a massive section of the Birch Glacier collapsed. The ensuing landslide buried approximately 90% of the village under millions of cubic meters of ice, rock, and mud.
Fortunately, due to prior warnings from geologists monitoring the glacier’s instability, all 300 residents and their livestock had been evacuated on May 19. This preemptive action is credited with preventing a significant loss of life. However, a 64-year-old man remains missing, and search operations have been suspended due to the hazardous conditions of the debris field.
The landslide not only devastated the village but also obstructed the Lonza River, creating a makeshift dam and forming a lake that poses a significant flood risk. Water levels in the newly formed lake are rising at an alarming rate of 80 centimeters per hour. Emergency services, including the Swiss army and civil protection forces, have been deployed to monitor the situation and assist with evacuations in nearby areas.
Experts attribute the glacier’s collapse to a combination of factors, including high-altitude snowmelt and the accumulation of falling rocks. The event registered as a 3.1-magnitude seismic activity and is considered one of Switzerland’s largest recorded mass movements. Scientists suggest that climate change may have contributed by degrading permafrost that supports the mountain’s rock faces, though definitive conclusions are pending further study.
Switzerland, home to the most glaciers in Europe, has witnessed a dramatic acceleration in glacier melt. The Swiss Academy of Sciences reports that the country has lost 10% of its glacier volume over the past two years, with 4% lost in 2023 alone. This rapid melting is attributed to high summer temperatures and low snowfall during winter months.
Blatten’s mayor, Matthias Bellwald, expressed deep sorrow over the disaster, stating, “We have lost our village, but not our heart. We will support each other and console each other. After a long night, it will be morning again.”
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter has announced plans to visit the affected area of Blatten and has pledged government support for rebuilding efforts. Authorities are also considering additional evacuations in surrounding regions due to continued risks.
The destruction of Blatten serves as a stark reminder of the immediate and tangible impacts of climate change. As glaciers continue to retreat and permafrost thaws, communities in alpine regions face increasing threats from natural disasters.This event underscores the urgent need for global action to address climate change and implement strategies to mitigate its effects.
