A man is missing following a massive landslide in the southern Swiss village of Blatten, caused by the Birch glacier's collapse. The resulting debris covered much of the area, though the village had been evacuated as a precaution. Authorities reported about 90% destruction of the village, which housed approximately 300 residents. Climate change has significantly impacted Swiss glaciers, causing 10% volume loss since 2022, contributing to the rockfall. Officials warn of potential flooding due to debris blocking the River Lonza, declaring a local state of emergency.
Matthias Huss, head of the Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland, emphasized the role of climate change in loosening rock mass in the permafrost zone that led to the glacier's collapse.
State Councilor Stephane Ganzer remarked that 90% of the village was destroyed by the landslide, illustrating the magnitude of the disaster that struck Blatten.
Collection
[
|
...
]