Swiss Village Devastated by Glacier Collapse, Mudslide

A massive section of the Birch Glacier in the Swiss Alps collapsed on Wednesday, triggering a catastrophic mudslide that buried nearly 90% of the village of Blatten in Valais, The Guardian reported. Authorities confirmed one person missing as debris engulfed homes, infrastructure, and the nearby Lonza riverbed, raising flood risks.

The 300 residents had been evacuated on May 19 after geologists warned of imminent danger from unstable slopes. Drone footage revealed a vast plain of mud and rubble where the village once stood, with shattered wooden structures visible amid the wreckage.

Valais security chief Stephane Ganzer called it a “major catastrophe,” while Mayor Matthias Bellwald vowed to rebuild. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed solidarity, as emergency crews blocked access to the hazardous zone.

The collapse follows a May 18 rockslide that prompted initial evacuations. Scientists warn climate-driven glacier retreat may heighten such risks in alpine regions.