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Rockslide in Blatten: Army operation stopped due to risk of falling rocks!
Rockfall in Blatten endangers residents: 92 evacuations, army on standby, experts warn of unstable mountain regions.
Rockslide in Blatten: Army operation stopped due to risk of falling rocks!
In the Valais community of Blatten im Lötschental, the effects of a massive landslide on May 28, 2025 remain serious. According to the Small newspaper The army is currently not deployed due to the acute risk of rock falls. The area around the Kleine Nesthorn remains unstable and there are repeated crashes.
The evacuation, which was initiated due to the dangerous situation, affects 92 residents and 16 holiday guests who quickly found suitable accommodation. This measure was taken following an urgent recommendation from the canton in order to protect the population. Authorities have installed cameras and a GPS device to monitor the mountain's movement; Experts detect movements of over 2.90 meters.
Current situation and eviction measures
The landslide's debris cone consists of an impressive 3.5 million cubic meters of rock and glacial ice. Experts estimate that a million cubic meters of material are still moving and fear that in a worst-case scenario, over a million cubic meters of material could fall into the valley. The SRF reports that rock falls have occurred in the last few days, with around 30,000 cubic meters of rock coming loose.
The clean-up work on the second lake behind the rubble cone on the east side is still pending as the danger situation does not currently allow this. Plans call for Army boats to be used in the upcoming cleanup to clear the lake of floating roofs, other debris and driftwood.
Climatic influences and long-term risks
The dangerous situation at Kleiner Nesthorn is not new. The Birch Glacier has been continuously monitored since the 1990s. Experts suspect that the impending melting of snow will promote instability. According to that Earth Rockfalls are sudden mass movements of rock masses that can be caused by geological factors, climatic influences and human intervention. Climatic changes, such as climate change, play a crucial role as they lead to the melting of glaciers and the thawing of permafrost.
The geological factors considered and the current instability in the region illustrate the complexity and potential of such natural events. The damage is currently estimated at between half a billion and a billion francs, while the challenges in the region could increase due to climate change.
Despite the ongoing threat and the need for limited access to the affected areas, community life in the surrounding villages, apart from Blatten, continues, including the traditionally celebrated Corpus Christi processions.