Rock-ice avalanche devastates Swiss village; one missing
A tragic event occurred in the Swiss Alps. A rock-ice avalanche destroyed the village of Blatten, which had been evacuated earlier due to the looming danger. One person is missing. "It's a complete disaster," assessed Franz Ruppen from the cantonal authorities.
The massive glacier fragment breaking off resulted in the near-total destruction of the village of Blatten in the Swiss Alps. "An incredible amount of material fell into the valley," said Matthias Ebener, a spokesperson for local authorities in the southwestern canton of Valais, where a state of emergency has been declared.
Disaster in the Alps
Blatten, home to 300 people, was evacuated on May 19 after geologists warned of avalanche risks. According to the Swiss broadcaster RTS, residents had just 20 minutes to gather their most necessary items and leave their homes.
On Wednesday, May 28, the worst happened. The avalanche struck, and drone footage and images reveal that 90% of the village was destroyed. Rescue services closed the road to Blatten, cautioning that the area remains a danger. Reuters reported that one person remains missing.
"It's a complete disaster," assessed Franz Ruppen from the cantonal authorities. According to him, residents never expected such a destructive avalanche. "Something unthinkable happened," wrote the municipal authorities on social media.
Increased avalanche risk
Climate change accelerates the melting of glaciers and permafrost, increasing avalanche risks. Glaciologists have been warning for years that alpine communities may be at risk. Blatten is not the first village to be evacuated. Back in 2017, near Bondo, a landslide claimed the lives of eight tourists.
Experts are worried that Swiss glaciers may disappear within a century if global temperatures are not maintained at a level no higher than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Scientists stress that this is a global challenge, requiring urgent action.
