BANDUNG, SEATIZENS – In a rare and devastating event, a large glacier in the Swiss Alps collapsed on Wednesday, May 28, triggering a massive landslide that buried most of the village of Blatten in the canton of Wallis. The catastrophe came after days of heightened alert due to increasing risks from glacial activity, prompting authorities to evacuate the entire village of approximately 300 residents before the disaster struck. Despite the tragedy, residents and officials remain hopeful for recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The landslide originated from the Birch Glacier around 3:30 p.m. local time, releasing an estimated three million cubic meters of debris, including mud, ice, and rocks. The material cascaded down into the valley, forming a blockage over two kilometers long in the Lonza River and creating a small lake behind it. Emergency teams have been working tirelessly, using drones equipped with thermal cameras to search for a 64-year-old man reported missing during the event. Fortunately, he was not among those evacuated earlier, and rescue efforts continue to locate him.
Local officials have described the event as “very rare,” highlighting the significant scale of the collapse and its potential for further hazards. The debris flow has wreaked havoc on the landscape, with drone footage showing the extent of destruction—homes buried under rubble and streets flooded with mud and ice. Many residents have lost their homes, confronting an uncertain future while awaiting assistance and support from government agencies.
Swiss government has responded
The Swiss government has responded swiftly, with President Karin Keller-Sutter expressing sympathy and solidarity through a post on X (formerly Twitter). She acknowledged the community’s suffering and assured that help is on the way. Visiting the site, Defense Minister Martin Pfister and Environment Minister Albert Rosti pledged long-term support for recovery efforts. Rosti emphasized the power of nature, noting that “the environment is stronger than humans,” a sobering reminder of the growing impacts of climate change on the region.
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The tragedy underscores the alarming trend of glacial retreat in the Swiss Alps, which scientists link to ongoing climate change. Recent data reveals that the melting of Swiss glaciers in 2022 and 2023 has been equivalent to the loss of volume over the past three decades combined, with unusual activity on the glaciers detected since late Tuesday night. As the region grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event, experts continue to warn of the increasing risks posed by climate-induced glacial instability, urging urgent action to address environmental changes threatening the Alpine landscape.
(Firyal Trinidad)
