Landslide Caused by Glacier Collapse Strikes Swiss Village
The village of Blatten in the Wallis canton faces destruction after a glacier collapse, prompting evacuations and search operations.
On the afternoon of May 28, a glacier collapsed onto the small Swiss village of Blatten, which has a population of around 300 people.
Located in the southern part of the Bernese Alps in the Wallis canton, the village had been previously evacuated due to warnings from geologists about a potential collapse.
The debris from the glacier has reportedly covered a significant portion of the village and extended along the valley floor for several kilometers.
While the village had been evacuated days prior, search operations are underway for one individual who is currently missing.
The extent of the destruction remains uncertain; however, numerous houses have been confirmed as completely destroyed.
Evacuations began on May 19, when geologists indicated that the glacier could collapse at any moment.
The mayor of Blatten described the event as "unimaginable," but expressed hope for the village's future.
The Swiss government is providing assistance to the residents of Blatten, aiding them in finding temporary housing in the surrounding areas.
Additionally, regional disaster management officials have indicated that it may be necessary to evacuate other nearby communities in response to ongoing geological threats.
This incident follows a similar evacuation two years ago when the village of Brienz was cleared due to an impending rockslide.
While Brienz has not been struck by landslides, restrictions have limited residents' return to their homes to brief periods.
Located in the southern part of the Bernese Alps in the Wallis canton, the village had been previously evacuated due to warnings from geologists about a potential collapse.
The debris from the glacier has reportedly covered a significant portion of the village and extended along the valley floor for several kilometers.
While the village had been evacuated days prior, search operations are underway for one individual who is currently missing.
The extent of the destruction remains uncertain; however, numerous houses have been confirmed as completely destroyed.
Evacuations began on May 19, when geologists indicated that the glacier could collapse at any moment.
The mayor of Blatten described the event as "unimaginable," but expressed hope for the village's future.
The Swiss government is providing assistance to the residents of Blatten, aiding them in finding temporary housing in the surrounding areas.
Additionally, regional disaster management officials have indicated that it may be necessary to evacuate other nearby communities in response to ongoing geological threats.
This incident follows a similar evacuation two years ago when the village of Brienz was cleared due to an impending rockslide.
While Brienz has not been struck by landslides, restrictions have limited residents' return to their homes to brief periods.
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