Glacier avalanche devastates Swiss village, nearby towns on alert
In Blatten, Switzerland, the aftermath of a glacier avalanche is creating increasingly difficult conditions. Water, blocked by the resulting landslide, threatens to flood additional towns.
Key information
- The glacier avalanche destroyed part of the village of Blatten in Switzerland.
- Water blocked by the landslide poses a growing threat.
- Evacuations of residents are being planned in several towns.
In Blatten, Switzerland, where life once thrived, a landscape of destruction now prevails. The glacier avalanche has buried the alpine village, and more towns are at risk. Water is continuing to accumulate behind the debris blockade, rising steadily.
Christian Studer from the local natural hazards service reported that the water level is increasing at a rate of 31 inches per hour. This situation is so critical that authorities are preparing to evacuate residents from nearby towns such as Steg-Hohtenn and Gampel-Bratsch.
Local authorities are contemplating two possible scenarios for the situation's development. The first scenario suggests that the water will gradually find a way through the landslide. The second, and more dangerous scenario, predicts a sudden release of water, potentially causing a mud flood. Both scenarios are being carefully analyzed by specialists to ensure the safety of residents.
Evacuations and warnings
On Thursday, residents from the towns of Kippel and Wiler, as well as Fafleralp, were evacuated. In total, 16 people had to leave their homes. Authorities are urging residents to prepare for a quick evacuation should the situation deteriorate further.
As of Friday morning, it remained unclear whether the water would find a calm outflow through the debris or trigger a sudden mud flood. Authorities are warning that the situation is too dangerous to undertake any cleanup actions.
Rescuers and experts are forced to monitor the situation from a safe distance. As Valentin Werlen, a local official, stated, any operations involving heavy equipment are currently impossible due to the instability of the terrain. Consequently, the search for a 64-year-old resident, who went missing as a result of the disaster, has been suspended.
