Swiss Glacier Collapse Buries Village, Raises Flood Risks, Triggers Evacuations

The collapse of the Birch glacier in southern Switzerland on May 28, 2025, buried about 90 percent of the village of Blatten under ice, mud, and debris, destroying homes and forcing the evacuation of its 300 residents. Experts link the disaster to climate change-driven thawing of permafrost, which destabilized rock and ice, leading to the landslide and the formation of a natural dam blocking the Lonza River. This dam caused an artificial lake to form, raising fears of flooding in the Lötschental valley and downstream communities, prompting evacuations and emergency preparedness in nearby villages. Authorities report the water is beginning to find pathways through the blockage, reducing immediate flood risk, but they remain cautious due to the unstable ground and potential for further rockfalls and debris flows. While the disaster has reshaped the landscape and destroyed much of Blatten, local officials affirm the valley will remain inhabited and rebuilding efforts are planned, though timelines remain uncertain. The event highlights the urgent need for improved glacier and hazard monitoring, especially in vulnerable regions, to better manage climate change-related risks.