Lötschental: worries after Glacier broken - Blatten stays under rubble!

Lötschental: worries after Glacier broken - Blatten stays under rubble!

in the Lötschental, in the canton of Valais in Switzerland, there is cautious all -clear after the latest glacier break. However, the location remains tense because a rubble cone that has almost completely buried the village of Blatten is still unstable. Around 300 inhabitants were brought to safety, while the pent -up water can be slowly drained off. Nevertheless, the risk of another disaster, especially with regard to the weather forecast for Sunday, is forecast. This could increase both the melting of ice and the risk of new movements of the rubble, which consists of around nine million cubic meters of material - a third of it, such as Krone.

The demolition of the birch glacier not only resulted in rock storts, but also the deposit of rubble and rubble into the valley. This rubble cone is currently blocking the Lonza river and has already formed a huge reservoir behind it, which according to reports from ZDF devoured almost all houses in the village of Blatten. The water level behind the dam temporarily rose by three meters per hour, which takes care of worrying dimensions. Experts warn of the possibility of a tidal wave that could be triggered by overflowing the reservoir.

unstable location and evacuation measures

The authorities have the area around the rubble cone exactly because there is a risk of an agency. This means that rock, scree and mud could slide down the valley and thus endanger the safety of other communities such as Gampel and Steg. These communities are preparing for possible evacuations; The residents were asked to provide the necessary for a quick deduction. Construction machines are used on site to regulate the water outflow, while the situation is monitored around the clock by drones and webcams. However, security concerns currently do not allow heavy machines, such as BR.

The location along the Lonza river seems to be stable, the water gradually flows over the rubble cone. Engineers are optimistic that the expected rain will not have any catastrophic effects. Nevertheless, the authorities must not become negligent, since the danger is greater due to further rock exits in the demolition area. The power plant operator in Ferden has been instructed to continue to let water to avoid additional pressure on the rubble cone.

Over 90% of the village of Blatten are now buried under rubble and ice masses, and there are reports on a missing locals. The situation is described by politicians as a century disaster for the valley. MP Beat Rieder expressed concern about the increased risks, while Jan Beutel, professor at the University of Innsbruck, emphasizes the role of climate change in this context. Ice melt and the fast thaw of snow erode rock and influence the stability in the high mountains.