Fri May 30 06:30:18 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A large section of the Birch Glacier in the Swiss Alps collapsed, triggering a massive mudslide that devastated the village of Blatten. Approximately 90% of the village is estimated to be covered or destroyed. Authorities had evacuated the village earlier in the month due to concerns about the glacier’s instability. One person is missing, and search and rescue operations are underway. The landslide also blocked the Lonza River, increasing the risk of flooding. Swiss officials attribute the glacier thaw to global warming and have expressed concerns about the accelerated retreat of glaciers in the country.

**News Article:**

**Swiss Village Devastated by Glacier Collapse, Mudslide**

**GENEVA – May 30, 2025** – A catastrophic mudslide triggered by the collapse of a substantial section of the Birch Glacier in the Swiss Alps has severely impacted the village of Blatten, Switzerland. The event, which occurred on Wednesday, sent a torrent of rock, ice, and mud cascading down the mountainside, engulfing an estimated 90% of the village.

Authorities had preemptively evacuated approximately 300 residents and all livestock earlier this month due to growing concerns over the glacier’s instability. Despite the evacuation, a 64-year-old man is reported missing, and search and rescue efforts are ongoing, utilizing drones equipped with thermal cameras.

“It’s a major catastrophe that has happened here in Blatten,” stated Stephane Ganzer, head of security for the Valais region, speaking to local media.

The landslide also blocked the Lonza River, raising fears of potential flooding. The Swiss army has been mobilized to assist in the response.

Environment Minister Albert Rösti described the event as “an extraordinary event” and assured the public that the government will provide assistance to affected villagers.

Swiss glaciologists have repeatedly warned about the accelerated melting of glaciers, attributing it to global warming. Switzerland, home to the most glaciers in Europe, experienced a 4% reduction in its total glacier volume in 2023, following a record 6% drop in 2022. The incident follows a similar evacuation in the village of Brienz last year due to the threat of rockslides.

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