Glacier cancellation in Blatten: Bergdorf buried under rubble!

Glacier cancellation in Blatten: Bergdorf buried under rubble!

Blatten, Schweiz - in Valais, Switzerland, a glacier abort in Blatten has led to a serious humanitarian and ecological crisis. A massive block of ice and rock buried about 90 percent of the small mountain village, which led to the first evacuations of the residents. So far, over 90 people have already been evacuated from their houses, and on Monday the authority provided the full evacuation of the entire village with around 300 inhabitants, with the exception of two areas. The local risk of landslide and falling stones is alarming, as the authorities assess. The local official Matthias Ebener described the situation as "very acute" because small stone strikes were repeatedly registered.

Experts are already reporting that around 9 million tons of rubble material are loaded on the glacier and that it moves at a speed of 2.5 to 3.5 meters per day. According to Josianne Jaggi from the regional management staff, the greatest danger is that the foremost part of the birch glacier could suddenly stop. Such an event would have catastrophic consequences. The rescue work in the danger area was discontinued and the search for a missing 64-year-old locals was canceled for security reasons.

acute dangers for the population

The risk of a dam break that blocks the Lonza River and the Dorfbach Gisentella further increases the critical situation. This dam, which consists of ice and rock, has formed a growing reservoir, which means that there is a risk of a tidal wave that could endanger deeper locations. A civil protection spokesman has urgently warned of this danger and emphasized that no rescue or clearing work is currently possible. Preventive a reservoir has already been emptied to make room for possible water masses.

The tailoring aid organizations such as Caritas Switzerland and the Red Cross already give immediate help in the amount of over 430,000 euros. In addition, the sponsorship for mountain communities is planning to support more than one million euros. Weather conditions and the pressure on the dam could be crucial for further developments in Blatten.

comparison to previous events

The current situation in Blatten is reminiscent of similar incidents as in Brienz, where evacuations were required in 2023 and the previous year due to impending rock falls. The threat from glacier and landslide in the Alpine region remains an urgent topic. Experts agree that the likelihood of sudden dropouts increases, which exerts high pressure to act on the authorities. With the mobilization of the Swiss army that use drones and helicopters to monitor the situation, those responsible hope to be able to guarantee the safety of the population.

These serious developments make it clear that climate change and its consequences in the Alpine regions are a continuing threat. The mobilization of resources and the quick reaction of the authorities are essential to prevent possible disasters and protect the population.