A glacier in Switzerland’s Alps has collapsed, burying a village of 300 people in a massive cloud of rock, ice, and debris. The disaster was predicted by scientists but its full extent was not anticipated.
Glacier experts say the Birch Glacier was different from others due to its unique advance over the past decade. This advancement was caused by a series of rockfalls that added weight and pressure on the glacier. Climate change is believed to be the main reason behind these rockfalls, as permafrost has warmed significantly in recent years.
The village of Blatten, located in the Valais region, was evacuated earlier this month due to increased rockfalls from the mountain face onto the glacier. Airlift operations for sheep and cows were conducted before the disaster struck. One person is reported missing, but a search operation has been suspended due to hazardous conditions.
Authorities are now facing the challenge of dealing with the lake that is forming in the valley, which could cause a torrential flow if it overflows onto the deposit. The government has stated that nature is stronger than human beings, and the disaster serves as a stark reminder of the power of natural forces.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/29/g-s1-69527/switzerland-village-blatten-birch-glacier-landslide-alps