The glacier collapsed largely destroyed the Alpine Village. Source: AP news
A significant glacial collapse occurred above the village of Blatten in the Lötschental valley of southern Switzerland on May 28, 2025. The incident originated from a large section of the Birch Glacier, which detached and initiated a massive rock and ice flow. The resulting mudslide engulfed most of the village, coating buildings, infrastructure, and the nearby Lonza River bed. Authorities had ordered the evacuation of approximately 300 residents and all livestock nine days prior due to increased slope instability. One person remains missing as emergency crews continue search and rescue operations.
Location where the catastrophic glacier collapsed. Source: The Age
The collapse released an extensive volume of material, with estimates indicating around 1.5 million cubic meters of rock and ice. This material inundated nearly 90% of Blatten, severely damaging homes, public facilities, and the surrounding river system. Drones and helicopters were deployed to monitor the aftermath and identify any ongoing hazards. Authorities expressed concern about the potential for blocked river flows, which could lead to further environmental disruption or secondary flooding events.
The village of Blatten shown before the Glacier Collapse. According to press release the glacier's collapse has devastated 90% of the village. Source: The Age
Emergency Response and Future Considerations
In response to the disaster, Swiss federal and local agencies mobilized search units and engineering teams to stabilize the affected area and assess the full scope of damage. The main access road into the valley has been closed to prevent entry into the high-risk zone. While immediate support is being provided to displaced residents, longer-term reconstruction efforts and geological monitoring are expected to follow. The event has further highlighted the vulnerability of glaciated Alpine regions to abrupt geomorphological changes.
Click here for a video footage at the moment of the gigantic landslide.
Following is a video showcasing the aftermath of the catastrophic glacier collapse.
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