Birch Glacier Collapse Buries Swiss Village Blatten

On May 28, 2025, the Birch Glacier in Switzerland's Valais region collapsed, triggering a massive landslide that buried about 90% of the Alpine village of Blatten under ice, rock, and mud. Authorities had evacuated the village's 300 residents and livestock days earlier after scientists warned of imminent danger, which likely prevented greater loss of life, though one person remains missing. The landslide blocked the Lonza River, creating a growing artificial lake and raising concerns about flooding in downstream villages. Satellite and drone imagery revealed that nearly all homes and infrastructure were destroyed, with debris stretching two kilometers. Experts attribute the disaster to accelerated glacier melt from climate change, as Swiss glaciers have lost significant mass in recent years. Local officials have declared Blatten a major catastrophe zone and are monitoring flood risks while recovery and rebuilding efforts commence.