The Blatten Glacier Disaster was a large-scale natural catastrophe that occurred on 28 May 2025 in the Alpine village of Blatten, situated in the Lötschental valley of Switzerland’s Valais canton. Triggered by the collapse of a massive section of the Birch Glacier, the event unleashed a destructive flow of soil, mud, and rock that buried approximately 90% of the village. Despite prior evacuation measures, one individual was reported missing following the disaster.
A video captured at the moment of the landslide, 28 April 2025 (ABC News)
Background and Evacuation Measures
Blatten is a mountain village located in the Lötschental valley, with an estimated population of 300. On 19 May 2025, following a series of minor rockfalls and noticeable seismic activity in the area, Swiss authorities initiated a precautionary evacuation of nearly the entire village.
According to the Swiss Seismological Service (SED), the first tremors were recorded on the morning of 19 May. These initial movements, coupled with increasing instability along the mountainside, prompted warnings about the potential descent of rock and ice masses from the upper flanks of the Birch Glacier.
Glacier Collapse and Landslide Event
At approximately 3:24 p.m. local time on 28 May 2025, a substantial portion of the Birch Glacier broke off and collapsed into the valley, engulfing Blatten in a powerful landslide. The event generated a tremor measuring 3.1 in magnitude, which was felt not only in the immediate region but also across other parts of Switzerland.
Drone footage released by the Swiss national broadcaster SRF revealed that a significant portion of the village was inundated by mud, rock, and glacial debris. The footage further showed that the river traversing Blatten, as well as the surrounding forested valley slopes, were entirely submerged beneath the landslide material.
Structural Devastation and Casualties
Authorities confirmed that the majority of homes in the village of Blatten were either destroyed or severely damaged, with many structures buried beneath layers of mud. An estimated 90% of the village area was rendered uninhabitable. Critical infrastructure—including roads, public utilities, and local natural resources—was rendered inoperative as a result of the disaster. One individual, identified as a 64-year-old male, went missing during the collapse. Search and rescue operations deployed drones equipped with thermal imaging technology to locate the missing person.
In the aftermath of the collapse, sections of the Lonza River’s course became obstructed by debris, resulting in the formation of a new lake. Due to concerns over potential flooding or soil erosion, precautionary evacuations were also carried out in downstream municipalities such as Wiler and Kippel.
Official Statements and Public Reactions
Stephane Ganzer, Head of Security for the canton of Valais, stated in a press briefing: “A major catastrophe has occurred in Blatten; approximately 90% of the village has been destroyed.” Swiss Confederation President Karin Keller-Sutter also addressed the nation via the social media platform X, stating, “It’s terrible to lose your home. I am deeply saddened for the residents of Blatten.” She emphasized the ongoing risk in the area and issued a public advisory urging citizens to refrain from approaching the affected zone.
