Glacier collapse destroys 90% of Alpine village in Switzerland
Share this @internewscast.com

Before-and-after photos captured the massive scale and destruction left behind after a glacier crashed down a Swiss mountainside.

GENEVA, Switzerland — Search efforts for a 64-year-old man who went missing were halted on Thursday due to hazardous conditions after a massive rock and ice segment from a glacier plummeted down a Swiss mountainside the previous day.

The landslide released clouds of dust into the air and covered almost the entire Alpine village in mud—a village that authorities had evacuated earlier this month as a safety measure. State Councilor Stéphane Ganzer informed Radio Télévision Suisse that 90% of the village had been destroyed.

The Cantonal Police of Valais said that a search and rescue operation was temporarily suspended Thursday afternoon because of falling debris.

The regional government shared in a statement that a significant portion of the Birch Glacier above the village had detached, triggering the landslide, which also buried the nearby Lonza River bed, heightening concerns about potential water flow blockages.

Video on social media and Swiss television showed that the mudslide near Blatten, in the southern Lötschental valley, partially submerged homes and other buildings under a mass of brownish sludge.


Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter is expected to visit the area on Friday.

In recent days, authorities had ordered the evacuation of about 300 people, as well as all livestock, from the village amid fears that the 1.5 million-cubic meter (52 million-cubic foot) glacier was at risk of collapse.


Swiss glaciologists have repeatedly expressed concerns about a thaw in recent years — attributed in large part to global warming — that has accelerated the retreat of glaciers in Switzerland.

The landlocked Alpine country has the most glaciers of any country in Europe, and saw 4% of its total glacier volume disappear in 2023. That was the second-biggest decline in a single year after a 6% drop in 2022.


Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Joey Chestnut gives behind-the-scenes look at 'hungry' prep for Nathan's return

Joey Chestnut Shares Insider Details on His ‘Hungry’ Training for Nathan’s Comeback

Celebrated competitive eater Joey Chestnut discusses his experiences and shares insights with…
Chicago City Council members skeptical of proposal to legalize 'granny flats,' or Accessory Dwelling Units

Chicago City Council Raises Doubts About Legalizing ‘Granny Flats’ or Accessory Dwelling Units

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago lawmakers are divided on legalizing the construction of…
Diver who freed sharks gets Trump pardon after felony conviction stuns him: 'My heart sank'

Diver Known for Releasing Sharks Shocked by Trump Pardon Following Felony Conviction: ‘I Couldn’t Believe It’

A diver from Florida believed he was doing the right thing by…
Russian Il-20 electronic intelligence aircraft in flight.

NATO Scrambles Jets to Intercept Russian Reconnaissance Plane Amid Kremlin’s Threats of ‘Direct’ Action Over Border Military Build-up

GERMAN fighter jets were dramatically scrambled to intercept a Russian spy plane…
Chicago protesters oppose ICE, Alejandro Orellana charges; Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi introduces bill to limit military deployments

Chicago Demonstrators Rally Against ICE; Alejandro Orellana Faces Charges; Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Proposes Legislation to Restrict Military Deployments

CHICAGO (WLS) — Another protest against ICE got underway in downtown Chicago…
Republicans hit major setback in their effort to ease regulations on gun silencers

Republicans Face Significant Obstacle in Attempt to Loosen Gun Silencer Regulations

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans faced a major hurdle in their attempt to…
Large fire and smoke at an industrial facility.

After 31 Years of Advising on the Iran Threat: Insights on a Fading Regime and the Importance of Trump’s Next Steps

IRAN’S repressed nation should be encouraged to overthrow its barbaric regime by…
USPS mail truck leaving a post office.

USPS Criticized as ‘Ineffective System’ After Thousands of Letters and Packages Discovered Abandoned Amid Major Delays

USPS has been blasted by frustrated customers after thousands of letters and…
Lost wedding ring found after 20 years during bathroom renovation

Wedding Ring Missing for 20 Years Rediscovered in Bathroom Renovation

“It’s not about the diamond. It’s about what it symbolizes for me—the…
Hiker’s wilderness adventure ends in tragedy at popular park destination

Tragic Ending for Hiker’s Adventure at Well-Known Park

An Illinois man died after falling while hiking at a state park…
Investigation into Florida condo collapse is expected to finish in 2026

Florida Condo Collapse Probe Projected to Conclude in 2026

More than four years following the collapse of a condominium in Florida…
Iran holds funeral for top commanders, nuclear scientists killed in Israeli operation

Iran Stages Funeral for Key Military and Nuclear Figures Killed in Israeli Action

Iran held a funeral for top military commanders and nuclear scientists killed…