Major avalanche in Switzerland: Blatten evacuated, one missing
More than 4.6 million cubic yards of ice, rocks, and snow avalanched from Birch Glacier onto the village of Blatten in the canton of Valais. Around 300 people were evacuated, and at least one person is considered missing.
What do you need to know?
- What happened? Over 4.6 million cubic yards of ice, rocks, and snow avalanched from the collapsing Birch Glacier onto the village of Blatten.
- Where and when? The disaster occurred on Wednesday in Switzerland, in the canton of Valais.
- Why is it important? It might be one of the largest natural disasters in Switzerland, leading to the evacuation of approximately 300 people.
What were the consequences of the disaster?
The collapsing Birch Glacier in Valais caused significant destruction when ice and rocks slid onto the village of Blatten. The noise from the collapsing glacier was so powerful that it could be heard miles away in the surrounding area.
Many homes ended up buried under a mass of rocks, mud, and ice several yards thick. Others were seriously damaged.
How did the evacuation go?
Before the disaster, officials evacuated all residents of Blatten, relocating about 300 people. Thanks to this timely evacuation, there are no reports of casualties, although one person is considered missing.
In videos posted on social media, a massive "river" of ice and rocks is seen cascading down the slope, with thick dust rising everywhere.
The mass of ice and rocks created a dam on the river
Currently, local authorities are focusing on assessing the damage and ensuring residents' safety. Geologists warn that additional landslides may occur, as the glacier is still moving.
Experts are also concerned that flooding might occur in the valley. The mass that slid down the mountain created a significant blockage on the local Lonza River. A large spillway could form there.
Source: rmf24.pl, pomona.ch
