Glacier Collapse Wipes Out Swiss Village, Triggers Emergency

‌A massive glacier collapse on Wednesday has destroyed much of the Swiss village of Blatten, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency and deploy the army for support.

Swiss public broadcaster RTS reported that the collapse of the Birch Glacier unleashed a powerful avalanche of ice, rocks, and mud that engulfed large portions of the alpine village.

One man in his 60s has been reported missing, and search operations are underway. No additional casualties or injuries have been confirmed at this time.

The village had been evacuated earlier on May 19 due to rising concerns over glacier instability. That precaution is now being credited with potentially saving lives.

The Swiss Seismological Service (SED) described the collapse as “one of the largest mass movements ever recorded,” adding that seismic signals from the event were still being detected several hundred kilometers beyond Swiss borders.

In response, the State Council swiftly declared a state of emergency, and military personnel have been called in to assist with rescue and recovery operations.

Authorities continue to monitor the area closely as they assess the full extent of the damage and risks of further collapse.