
On May 28, 2025, the tranquil Swiss Alpine village of Blatten faced a catastrophic event when a massive section of the Birch Glacier collapsed, unleashing approximately 3 million cubic meters of ice, rock, and mud. This devastating landslide buried about 90% of the village, transforming it into a scene of destruction.
Fortunately, the 300 residents had been evacuated days prior, thanks to geologists’ warnings about the glacier’s instability. However, a 64-year-old man remains missing, prompting ongoing search efforts involving thermal drones and specialized rescue teams.
The collapse also obstructed the Lonza River, creating a temporary lake that flooded the few remaining structures and posed further risks to downstream communities. Authorities have increased the capacity of a downstream dam and evacuated nearby villagers as a precaution.
Experts suggest that climate change may have contributed to the disaster by degrading the permafrost that supported the mountain’s rock faces, although definitive conclusions are pending further study.
This video delves into the details of the glacier collapse, the immediate response efforts, and the broader implications for alpine communities in the face of climate change.
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