Blatten, Switzerland – May 30, 2025 — A catastrophic glacier collapse has completely obliterated the Swiss village of Blatten and now poses a severe flood risk for Lotschental Valley. On May 28, the partial collapse of Birch Glacier unleashed approximately 3 million cubic meters of ice, rock, and mud that covered 90% of Blatten under debris while blocking Lonza River to create a natural dam, blocking Lonza from flowing downstream and leading to the creation of an increasingly large lake behind natural dam. Independent, Daily Beast +10, ABC News +10, The Washington Post +10, and Reuters all reported similar stories regarding glacier failure and flood risks within days after collapse of Swiss glacier on May 28, 2025. At least 300 residents had already been evacuated before geologists identified signs of instability in the glacier earlier in May; however, one 64-year-old remains missing and rescue operations were suspended due to hazardous conditions. Wikipedia +12 Reuters +12 BBC | 6| CBS News | The Daily Beast | Indiatimes. Blockage of the Lonza River has led to water gathering in its basin, raising fears of its sudden release and inundating downstream communities. Authorities issued evacuation warnings for nearby Gampel and Steg villages while heavy equipment from Switzerland’s army is on standby in case relief operations become necessary. Reuters +7 Indiatimes +7 Reuters+1 The Economic Times. Experts attribute the collapse of a glacier to various factors, including permafrost thawing and accumulation of rock debris on its surface, which increased pressure and destabilized its ice mass. Climate change may also have played a part in this event; more studies must be undertaken in order to pinpoint its exact causes. ABC News Matthias Bellwald, Mayor of Blatten, spoke of their collective grief and resilience: “We may have lost our village but not our hearts; we will support one another and console one another… After this long night comes dawn again.” NPR + 9 BBC +9 The Independent. +9 This incident highlights the increasing risks faced by Alpine communities as climate change accelerates glacier melt and undermines mountainous regions. Swiss authorities continue to closely monitor this situation and prioritize resident safety along with managing an expanding flood threat.
