One person is missing after a massive landslide buried most of a Swiss village. The village of Blatten, located in southern Switzerland, was hit by a torrent of rock, mud, and ice when a glacier above it partially collapsed on Wednesday.
Officials reported that the debris covered about 90% of the village, leaving behind a scene of destruction. Matthias Ebener, a spokesperson for the local authorities in Valais canton, described the event as an "unbelievable amount of material" that thundered down into the valley.
Emergency services quickly evacuated approximately 300 residents and their livestock earlier this month when geologists warned that a large glacier, weighing about 1.5 million cubic meters, was at risk of collapsing. This precaution likely saved many lives, but the loss of homes is still devastating for the community.
Local councillor Stephane Ganzer confirmed that the mudslide had overwhelmed the village, and footage shared on social media captured the moment the debris came crashing down. The images show significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the area.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed her sympathy for the residents, stating on social media, "It’s terrible to lose your home. In these hours, I feel for the residents of Blatten."
Authorities are urging people to stay away from the area due to the ongoing hazards. As search efforts continue for the missing person, the community faces a long and difficult road ahead in the wake of this disaster.