Alpine alert: Blatten residents flee potential rockslide disaster
Residents of Blatten, Switzerland, have been evacuated due to the threat of a rockslide. Authorities decided on the immediate evacuation of the town.
There is concern in the alpine town of Blatten in the Swiss canton of Valais. Authorities have decided to evacuate all 300 residents due to an impending landslide. The threat is very serious.
As reported by "Bild," in recent days, alarming sounds have been heard coming from a nearby rock wall in the Blatten area. Experts warn that up to five million cubic meters (approx. 6.5 million cubic yards) of rocks could slide at any moment.
This process is inevitable, said Matthias Ebener, head of the regional crisis team.
The endangered area is located below the peak of Bietschhorn, which rises to an altitude of almost 13,000 feet. In the worst-case scenario, there could be an enormous landslide, warned Alban Brigger from the Department of Natural Hazards in the canton of Valais.
The decision to evacuate was made on Monday, May 19. Residents had only 90 minutes to leave their homes. "It was around 6:30 PM Eastern Time when town council members came to our restaurant and informed us that we had an hour to gather at the sports hall", recalled a hotel owner in an interview with "Tages-Anzeiger."
Despite the ongoing seasonal break, 20 guests were still staying at the hotel. The owner had to quickly organize the evacuation, secure food, and turn off appliances. "Unfortunately, I didn't have time to take my computer", she added.
Closed hiking trails
The Lotschental region, in which Blatten is located, is a popular tourist destination. However, due to the threat, all trails have been closed. Tourists have already left the town, and authorities are urging people to avoid the area until the situation stabilizes.
Experts agree that the situation is serious and requires immediate action. Another landslide could have catastrophic consequences for Blatten.
