SWISS VILLAGES ON ALERT AFTER GLACIER COLLAPSE BURIES PARTS OF BLATTEN VILLAGE
ENVIRONMENTAL ALERT • Authorities in southern Switzerland are on high alert for potential flooding along the Lonza River. A glacier collapse buried much of the alpine village of Blatten and created a dam, raising fears of downstream inundation.
Blatten, Switzerland – Swiss villages along the Lonza River are on high alert following the dramatic collapse of the Betulla glacier earlier this week. A massive avalanche of rock and ice cascaded into the Lötschental Valley, burying much of the alpine village of Blatten under mud and debris. Local officials estimate that 90% of the village has been destroyed.
Attention has now shifted to the safety of downstream communities. The collapse caused debris to fill the Lonza riverbed, creating a natural dam and leading to the formation of an upstream lake. Regional government officials warn that if this dam were to breach, the resulting surge could severely flood communities downstream.
To prepare for potential flooding in Gampel and surrounding areas, authorities have begun dismantling footbridges and reinforcing critical infrastructure. Residents have been advised to arrange emergency accommodation in case evacuation becomes necessary.
"I didn't sleep last night," one woman told reporters. "We were constantly waiting – if something happens, we have to go." Tension remains high as communities closely monitor the situation.
