Glacier Collapse Destroys Swiss Village

A massive chunk of the Birch Glacier broke off on May 28 and crashed into the Alpine village of Blatten in Switzerland’s Lötschental valley, burying 90% of the community in mud and debris.

The collapse had been feared for weeks, prompting officials to evacuate the roughly 300 residents on May 19. Just days later, the glacier finally gave way. “A major catastrophe,” said Stephane Ganzer, security chief for the Valais region. The disaster also blocked parts of the Lonza River, raising concerns about potential flooding.

One Missing, No Fatalities Confirmed

No deaths have been reported, but a 64-year-old man is missing. Authorities are searching for him using drones with thermal cameras. His identity has not been disclosed.

The village, once known for its scenic beauty, is now unrecognizable. “The unimaginable has happened,” said Blatten’s mayor, Matthias Bellwald. “We have lost our village, but not our heart. We will support each other and console each other. After a long night, it will be morning again.”

Climate Change Likely to Blame

Experts believe climate change played a major role in the disaster. The glacier collapse may have been triggered by weakened rock layers due to melting permafrost. “Unexpected things happen at places that we have not seen for hundreds of years, most probably due to climate change,” said Matthias Huss, director of Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland (GLAMOS).

Swiss Glaciers Rapidly Shrinking

Switzerland, home to the most glaciers in Europe, lost 4% of its glacier volume in 2023 alone, following a 6% loss in 2022. This rapid retreat is alarming scientists and highlighting the accelerating effects of global warming on Alpine landscapes.