17/07/2025
A Village That Suddenly Vanished from the Map
On May 28, 2025, the beautiful mountain village of Blatten, located in the southern region of Switzerland, fell victim to a horrifying natural disaster. Cracks had formed in a glacier in the Bürsch Valley, and suddenly a massive avalanche of ice and rocks came crashing down, nearly burying the entire village. The landslide was several meters thick and stretched over two kilometers.
Fortunately, modern surveillance systems had detected the potential danger in time, and the local administration had already evacuated all residents safely two days earlier. As a result, a major loss of life was averted.
According to environmental expert Raphaël Ludovic, such incidents are rare in relatively stable mountainous regions like the Alps. However, global warming and the accelerated melting of permafrost (frozen ground) are giving rise to such disasters.
The landslide from the mountain has blocked the Lonzariver, forming an artificial lake that is continuing to expand. If urgent action is not taken, its eventual bursting could lead to a devastating flood. The Swiss army and rescue teams are working around the clock to drain the water.
Experts warn that if climate change is not brought under control, not just the Alps, but mountain ranges and settlements all over the world could face similar threats. Cracks and landslides are already being reported in regions like France, Italy, and Nepal.
This is not just a natural incident—it is a warning from nature.
We must honor the promises we’ve made to ourselves, to future generations, and to the Earth.
