Local sources from Switzerland: STERN.de, Der Standard.
UK coverage: The Guardian.
In a tragic event that underscores the growing concerns about climate change and geological instability, the small Swiss village of Blatten, located in the scenic Alps, was nearly obliterated by a catastrophic glacier collapse. The disaster unfolded after a significant portion of the Birch Glacier, known locally as Birchgletscher, detached and sent millions of tons of ice, mud, and rock cascading down onto the village and the nearby Lonza riverbed. The incident, resulting from a slow-moving landslide at Kleines Nesthorn, led to around nine million tons of debris accumulating on the glacier before its eventual collapse. This resulted in nearly 90% of Blatten being buried under a several-meter-high mudslide, transforming the area into a desolate landscape of devastation. The village had been evacuated in advance, following geologists’ warnings about the imminent danger, safeguarding the lives of approximately 300 inhabitants. Despite these precautions, a 64-year-old local man has been reported missing, and search efforts, including the deployment of a thermal imaging drone, have yet to locate him. The Swiss President, Karin Keller-Sutter, along with local and national authorities, have expressed deep sympathy for the residents and committed to supporting the rebuilding process. This event not only highlights the tragedy for the affected community but also raises broader questions about the impact of climate change on glacial stability and the risks posed to mountainous regions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, wary of the potential hazards that could arise from dammed water flows due to the blockage of the Lonza river.
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