A massive glacier in the Swiss Alps collapsed on May 28, 2025, unleashing a torrent of ice, rock, and mud that devastated the picturesque village of Blatten, located in the Valais Canton of southern Switzerland. The disaster occurred merely days after the evacuation of the village’s 300 residents was ordered due to the glacier’s precarious movements.
Matthias Ebener, a spokesperson for the crisis management team, reported that debris from the Birch Glacier buried much of Blatten, leaving at least one person missing. Drone footage captured the dramatic collapse, which released clouds of dust over the landscape. According to assessments, the glacier had been advancing at a rate of eight to eleven feet per day, amassing approximately nine million tons of debris before the catastrophic event.
At a news conference, local officials described the damage as extensive, with mayor Matthias Bellwald stating, “We’ve lost the village, but not the heart.” He indicated that recovery efforts would take years. State councilor Stéphane Ganzer confirmed that an estimated 90% of Blatten was covered by the landslide.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed her sorrow over the disaster, emphasizing the community's losses and showing solidarity with the residents. The landslide, which was powerful enough to register a 3.1-magnitude earthquake, poses ongoing risks, including potential flooding. Authorities have warned that the river nearby is blocked by debris, significantly increasing the chance of ice jams. Efforts to secure the area include deploying military pumps and equipment for debris removal.
In light of the disaster, regional leaders have taken preventative measures, such as issuing further evacuation orders, especially after the evacuation of livestock, including cattle, sheep, and rabbits to ensure their safety. The village of Blatten had previously faced threats from landslides, as evidenced by another near-miss in 2023 involving the nearby village of Brienz.
As the village begins the long road to recovery, the resilience and spirit of the community remain strong, represented by those leading the efforts to address the aftermath of this devastating event.
