Dramatic footage shows glacier collapse that wiped out 90 percent of Swiss village in devastating landslide

Published: Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 5:45 pm

Swiss Village Devastated by Glacier Collapse, Sparking Climate Crisis Fears

A dramatic landslide triggered by a glacier collapse has nearly wiped out the Swiss village of Blatten, Switzerland, leaving 90% of the area buried in mud and debris. The incident, captured in shocking video footage, has sent shockwaves across social media and reignited concerns about the accelerating climate crisis.

The collapse, which occurred on Wednesday, was powerful enough to register as a 3.1-magnitude earthquake. Fortunately, the village's 300 residents had been evacuated on May 19, 2025, minimizing casualties. However, at least one person is still reported missing.

The landslide, caused by the Birch Glacier breaking, has blocked a nearby river, raising fears of potential flooding. Images of the devastation, including before-and-after comparisons, are circulating online, highlighting the scale of the destruction. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed her sympathy for the displaced residents.

The incident has amplified existing anxieties about climate change. Experts point to the rapid melting of glaciers in the Swiss Alps, which lost 10% of their volume between 2022 and 2023 alone. Landscape ecologist Dr. Carolyn Grres warned that permafrost thawing, a consequence of global warming, will continue to destabilize mountains, increasing the risk of future landslides. The collapse serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impacts of climate change and the urgent need for action.

Keywords: Blatten, Switzerland, glacier collapse, landslide, climate crisis, global warming, Swiss Alps, Birch Glacier, permafrost, evacuation, flooding, disaster, Karin Keller-Sutter, climate change impacts, mountain collapse

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