A massive section of the Birch glacier collapsed into the valley above the Swiss village of Blatten, destroying much of the settlement and leaving one person missing.
Though residents had been evacuated days earlier due to warnings from geologists, the avalanche of mud and debris flattened homes and forced the community to confront the possibility of never returning.
Local and national authorities have deployed disaster relief teams, with promises of support and funding to help displaced residents remain nearby.
Mayor Matthias Bellwald called the event unimaginable but expressed hope that the village spirit would endure despite the devastation.
Breaking:
A glacier collapse has buried the Swiss village of Blatten under mud. 💔The Lonza River is dammed and large parts of the town have been evacuated.
Tragic — but thanks to early warnings from scientists, lives were likely saved.#Switzerland #Blatten #ClimateCrisis… pic.twitter.com/ryxn8NlALL
— The Curious Quill (@PleasingRj) May 29, 2025
Bloody hell!! Excellent footage though.