Press conference on Blatten "A Lötschental without Blatten is unthinkable": mayor wants to rebuild the village

The largest demolition to date on the Birch Glacier has caused massive damage in the Lötschental. The canton of Valais has declared a special situation. The developments in the ticker.

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4.42 pm

Karin Keller-Sutter sees incomprehensible images

President Karin Keller-Sutter speaks at the end. "I came to the Lötschental today to see the situation for myself. The images are incomprehensible, it is devastating."

For the President, the special actions of the people of Lötschental have prevented damage to people, unfortunately only almost. But she makes it clear: "You are not alone."

"The past two days seem like an eternity." But all reactions show the cohesion in society and she explains: "The federal government and all institutions will do everything they can to support the population. It's a marriage, for better or for worse."

16.29 hrs

Franziska Biner calls for help

State Councillor Franziska Biner welcomes President Karin Keller-Sutter and then thanks all helpers and supporters. "We cannot cope with the situation alone, we need help from all directions."

16.21

The artificial lake is overflowing

Now Christian Studer from the Natural Hazards Department of the Canton of Valais speaks out. More experts are on site today. It is assumed that the artificial lake that has formed behind the fallen masses of ice and rock is continuing to overflow. "We are continuing to monitor the river, including from the air, and could react quickly to any situation immediately."

16.14 hrs

Ground zero for Blatten

Municipal president Matthias Bellwald speaks first. He describes the disaster as ground zero for Blatten. But he sees the future for Blatten in the Lötschental; for him, there is no Lötschental without Blatten. "We need pragmatic solutions for the people of Blatten. We have set up a donation account for Blatten, every donation and support eases the pain."

4.05 pm

The podium fills up

The podium fills up and the participants take their seats. It's about to start.

15.50 hrs

Media conference with President Karin Keller-Sutter live from 4 p.m.

After President Karin Keller-Sutter has gained an overview of the situation in Blatten by flying in an army helicopter, she will take part in a media conference in Wiler from 4 pm.

2.22 p.m.

Karin Keller-Sutter is in Blatten

President Karin Keller-Sutter has arrived in Blatten. She will now fly over the area in an army helicopter to get an idea of the situation. The Federal Councillor has returned early from her trip to Ireland due to the situation in Blatten.

14.03 hrs

Situation remains calm

The situation on the dammed Lonza River is slowly easing. According to experts who have flown over the disaster area, the amount of water is decreasing. "The situation is calm at the moment," announced the crisis management team around midday.

Apparently, smaller quantities are flowing through the mountain of rubble. There are initially no signs that the water could carry debris down with it. According to this information, a spillover is less likely than in the morning. Raphaël Mayoraz, geologist for the canton of Valais, told RTS: "As time goes on, the risk of a disaster scenario is slowly but surely decreasing."

With regard to the debris cone, the spokesman for the regional command staff, Matthias Ebener, told the German Press Agency: "It is currently unknown whether the water will flow through or be absorbed." The water has not yet spilled over the debris cone.

1.15 p.m.

Damage of several hundred million francs expected

The Blatten landslide in the Lötschental could have caused damage amounting to several hundred million francs. This is the current estimate of the Swiss Insurance Association SIA.

However, it is still too early for a precise estimate of the damage, said Thilo Kleine, media spokesman for the SIA, when asked by the Keystone-SDA news agency on Friday.

Kleine went on to say that it is not known how many buildings in the canton of Valais are insured. The canton has no compulsory buildings insurance. However, the SIA assumes very high insurance coverage.

12.56 p.m.

Zurich civil defense forces to help out in Blatten

The canton of Zurich wants to send civil defense personnel to Valais to help deal with the landslide. "The canton of Zurich is ready to help", said Security Director Mario Fehr (non-party) on Friday.

"We are very concerned about what is happening in the Lötschental. Of course we are offering our help," Fehr told SRF Radio's "Regionaljournal Zürich-Schaffhausen". It remains to be seen how many civil defense forces will be deployed to the canton of Valais. The Valais authorities and their crisis team would first have to say what they would need, said Fehr.

Interactive before and after comparisonSatellite images show the extent of the glacier collapse

10.41 a.m.

Lake could overflow today

The lake that has formed above Blatten could overflow in the course of the day, according to a new situation report from the canton of Valais. The water level of the lake has almost reached the upper edge of the debris cone.

The storage capacity of the Ferden dam further down the valley has been increased as a precautionary measure. The affected zone and the behavior of the lake, the river and the Ferden reservoir are being continuously monitored and measuring devices have been installed in the affected area.

10.21 a.m.

Valais authorities are optimisticCan Blatten be rebuilt?

10.25 a.m.

Accumulated water flows out

The water in the lake, which has dammed up above the debris cone in Blatten, begins to make its way out of the dam. The more water can make its way through the 2.5-kilometre-long mass of debris, the lower the risk of disaster from a sudden eruption, as Valais cantonal geologist Raphaël Mayoraz said on RTS radio in western Switzerland on Friday morning.

The current situation presents itself as a fairly favorable scenario. However, the responsible authorities are aware that they must monitor the situation very closely. Mayoraz estimated that the population of the villages down the valley would need to be ready to evacuate for weeks to come. It will probably take a long time for the Lonza River to carve a relatively stable channel through the debris. The risk of water backing up remains.

8.54 a.m.

Danger still exists

According to the Lötschental command staff, the situation remains largely unchanged, as reported by SRF. The danger of a flood wave and erosion is still considerable. It remains unclear whether and to what extent water will flow out. The lake is being continuously monitored.

7.13 a.m.

Regional command staff speak of a "quiet night"

The command staff in Gampel and Steg speak to SRF of a "calm night" during which "nothing unusual happened". The feared debris flows and a tidal wave during the night have therefore failed to materialize.

7.10 a.m.

Evacuation in the valley floor of Gampel and Steg to be prepared

Due to the danger of a possible flood wave from the Lötschental, the Gampel-Steg regional command staff has called on the population to prepare for a rapid evacuation. This was announced on Friday night.

The population should be prepared to leave their homes quickly in the event of an incident. The affected residents are asked to organize accommodation outside the valley floor and outside the Gampel/Steg perimeter in advance. Relatives who may not be able to be reached and animals should also be considered.

In the event of an evacuation, anyone who cannot find accommodation or needs help should go to the emergency meeting point at the school building in Steg or the orientation school building in Gampel. The location must be reported using an online form. The higher-lying villages of Hohtenn, Bratsch, Engersch and Jeizinen are not affected by the measure.

5.12 a.m.

Danger not yet over

Around two days after the glacier collapse near Blatten, the danger is not over. According to the authorities, there is a risk that the water dammed up by the masses of debris in the Lötschental could overflow. The site on the Kleine Nesthorn, where the landslide began, is also not stable. Further rockfalls and debris flows are therefore feared.

Christian Studer from the Natural Hazards Office spoke of an uncertain situation at a media conference on Thursday evening: "We are assuming that the lake will overflow in the early hours of the morning. The conceivable scenarios for emptying the lake are currently being examined. The situation is being constantly monitored by observers and technology. The aim is to ensure the safety of the population below the lake."

President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter will visit the disaster area today, Friday. She will then take part in a media conference at 4 pm.

5.04 pm

Permafrost expert: glacier collapse clearly attributable to climate change

According to Christophe Lambiel from the University of Lausanne, the glacier collapse above Blatten is clearly due to climate change. The permafrost is degrading, the rock is losing stability, boulders are falling and weighing down the Birch Glacier, causing it to accelerate on the steep slope, the permafrost expert told "Le Nouvelliste " and "ArcInfo". The heavier a glacier is and the steeper the terrain, the faster it can advance. Lambiel calls for close monitoring of other glaciers on steep slopes.

Friday, May 30, 2025, 4.55 a.m.

Valais Council of States calls for more federal funding for protection against natural hazards in the Alps

Beat Rieder, a member of the Council of States from Valais, has called for more federal funding for protection against natural hazards in the Alps in the "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" newspaper. If the federal government cannot find any money for the mountain population in a budget of 85 billion, he wonders "what we still have money for". Switzerland urgently needs more protective structures and comprehensive monitoring systems. With regard to the destroyed village of Blatten, he said that there were a large number of expenditure items in the federal budget that could be reduced. "With this money, we could already restore a lot in Blatten," continued Rieder. Politics must make it possible for people to return in the first place.

22.02

Army considers using remote-controlled excavators

The Swiss Armed Forces have two remote-controlled excavators, which were developed by ETH Zurich and were first used in the Schwanden landslide in 2024. A deployment was also considered in Blatten, as divisional officer Raynald Droz confirmed to the "Walliser Boten" newspaper.

"However, we cannot operate on the landslide deposits with these devices either," said Droz. The mixture of debris, ice and water is in large parts not strong enough for heavy construction machinery.

20.39 hrs

The day after the disaster in pictures

The worst-case scenario has occurred in the Lötschental. Blatten was largely destroyed by the devastating glacier collapse and dammed-up water. Pictures taken the day after illustrate the extent of the natural disaster.

Glacier collapse in Blatten VS



A huge glacier collapse has largely buried Blatten...

Image: KEYSTONE/Jean-Christophe Bott



... or flooded by the dammed Lonza.

Image: KEYSTONE/Jean-Christophe Bott



An aerial photo shows the extent of the destruction.

Image: KEYSTONE/Jean-Christophe Bott



A helicopter evacuates a vehicle.

Image: KEYSTONE/Jean-Christophe Bott



Around three million cubic meters thundered into the valley when the Birch Glacier collapsed

Image: KEYSTONE/Alessandro della Valle



The army is ready for a relief operation.

Image: KEYSTONE/Alessandro della Valle



A helicopter flies over the disaster area.

Image: KEYSTONE/Alessandro della Valle



The search for a missing man has been temporarily suspended due to the danger.

Image: KEYSTONE/Jean-Christophe Bott

Glacier collapse in Blatten VS



A huge glacier collapse has largely buried Blatten...

Image: KEYSTONE/Jean-Christophe Bott



... or flooded by the dammed Lonza.

Image: KEYSTONE/Jean-Christophe Bott



An aerial photo shows the extent of the destruction.

Image: KEYSTONE/Jean-Christophe Bott



A helicopter evacuates a vehicle.

Image: KEYSTONE/Jean-Christophe Bott



Around three million cubic meters thundered into the valley when the Birch Glacier collapsed

Image: KEYSTONE/Alessandro della Valle



The army is ready for a relief operation.

Image: KEYSTONE/Alessandro della Valle



A helicopter flies over the disaster area.

Image: KEYSTONE/Alessandro della Valle



The search for a missing man has been temporarily suspended due to the danger.

Image: KEYSTONE/Jean-Christophe Bott

19.32 hrs

Sheep and a car are evacuated here

In the Lötschental, 16 people, animals and a vehicle were evacuated.

18.49 hrs

Media conference ends

The media conference of the Valais authorities ends with the conclusion of the question and answer session.

18.44 hrs

Biner: Lonza will probably not flow away "in a gush"

The State Councillor responds to a corresponding question by saying that it can now be ruled out that the lake will drain uncontrollably "in a gush".

6.38 pm

Franziska Biner: "You have lost everything"

State Councillor Franziska Biner expresses her condolences to those affected: "They have lost everything. I can only imagine how difficult this time is for them and would like to express my deepest sympathy."

"The canton is here to help, to stand by their side," she continues, thanking the helpers.

18:27

Stéphane Ganzer: "We've known since yesterday that the worst-case scenario could happen"

State Councillor Stéphane Ganzer comments on the "unprecedented situation" and emphasizes the responsibility for the safety of both the population and the emergency services. He said that intensive consideration had been given to whether an operation would have been possible today. However, as there were still rockfalls, this was not possible.

The Valais towns of Steg and Gampel are also being prepared for possible evacuations. The worst must be expected, says the Valais State Councillor.

"We've known since yesterday that the worst case could happen. A flood wave from the Lötschental that overcomes the Ferden dam and reaches Gampel and Steg cannot be ruled out."

18.18 hrs

Army is ready - "as soon as the situation allows"

Divisional Commander Droz talks about the precautions taken by the Swiss army, which is ready but cannot yet deploy. The risk is too great and human lives must not be put at risk. "As soon as the situation allows", the army is ready.

6.13 p.m.

Lake level continues to rise

Christian Studer from the Natural Hazards Service assesses the current situation. He is particularly concerned about the constantly rising level of the lake caused by the glacier collapse. The Lonza could already spill over the debris cone during the night.

Specialists are currently assessing the situation. The main focus is on the safety of the population.

18.10 hrs

"The worst has happened"

Valentin Werlen, valley councillor and mayor of Ferden, is the first to speak. "The worst has happened," he says about the devastating glacier fall. There are still rockfalls. The danger has not yet been averted. He expresses his condolences to those affected and thanks the helpers.

18.03 hrs

Media conference starts

The conference starts. Among those present are: State Councillor Franziska Biner, State Councillor Stéphane Ganzer, Divisional Officer Droz and Commander of Territorial Division 1 and Valley Councillor Christian Studer.

17.58 hrs

Informing the authorities

The media conference of the Valais command staff will start shortly.

16.52 hrs

President Keller-Sutter visits the Lötschental on Friday

The President of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, will visit the Lötschental in Valais on Friday afternoon. She will be attending a media conference in Wiler.

This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Federal Department of Finance to a journalist from the Keystone-SDA news agency. On Thursday, Keller-Sutter met the Irish President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin. She also held talks with Prime Minister Micheál Martin and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe.

Due to the disaster in the Lötschental in Valais, Keller-Sutter intends to return to Switzerland earlier than planned, as her department wrote about her trip to Ireland.

4.45 p.m.

Search for missing man in Tennmatten is temporarily suspended

The search for a man who has been missing since the glacier collapsed in the Lötschental has been suspended for the time being. The terrain is too dangerous for the search team to continue, wrote the Valais cantonal police.

An intensive search for the man missing in the Tennmatten area was still underway in the morning, according to the afternoon press release. However, he was not found.

A mountain rescuer from the cantonal Valais rescue organization and a team of five with three dogs from the partner organization Redog were flown to the affected area by helicopter for the search. The search on the debris cone for clues to the missing person was also unsuccessful.

The operation had been temporarily suspended because the instability of the crash material had posed too great a risk to the emergency services. The safety situation is constantly being reassessed, the police wrote. The Valais public prosecutor's office opened an investigation.

4.30 p.m.

Swiss Solidarity calls for donations for its disaster fund

Swiss Solidarity is appealing for donations for the landslide area in the Lötschental. It wants to provide direct financial support to those affected, but also help businesses that have lost income.

Following the collapse of the Birch Glacier on Wednesday, Swiss Solidarity has activated its permanent fund for aid following disasters in Switzerland, as it announced. It could also cover rental costs for people who no longer have a home and therefore need emergency accommodation.

Medium and long-term aid can also be provided. Swiss Solidarity intends to provide its support in consultation with the municipality of Blatten and the Valais authorities. The modalities for requests for assistance will be announced as soon as possible.

16.07 hrs

This is how much debris has fallen into the valley

Around three million cubic meters of debris fell into the Lötschental on Wednesday. This figure is hard to imagine. Sample calculations illustrate the destructive power of the masses of rock.

3.24 pm

In the Lötschental, 16 more people have left their homes

A further 16 people have been evacuated from their homes in the Lötschental. Those affected are residents of Kippel, Wilder and Fafleralp.

Eleven of the evacuees live in Kippel and five in Wilder, two villages below the debris cone, as the authorities announced. The last eleven residents of the hamlet of Fafleralp in the municipality of Blatten had already been relocated on Wednesday morning, according to a spokeswoman for the Lötschental regional command staff.

The Fafleralp is now deserted. The approximately 300 inhabitants of Blatten had already been asked to leave their homes on May 19.

The lake that has formed in Blatten continues to fill up by the hour, according to the Cantonal Command Office (KFO) of the Canton of Valais: "There is a great risk of a dam that could flood the valley below."

14.53 hrs

Before and after comparison shows the extent of the destruction

Eleven days ago, everything in Blatten in the Lötschental was as it was, as the top picture shows. The photo below shows the valley floor today, Thursday, around 24 hours after the huge glacier collapse.

2.04 pm

Christophe Darbellay: "A village has disappeared from the map"

According to Valais cantonal councillor Christophe Darbellay, the people of Blatten VS have lost everything. "Their homes, their souvenirs, their church, their cemetery," he told the media. "A village has disappeared from the map." The farmers no longer even have any land.

The shock is deep-seated in the population. He himself was also deeply affected by the extent of it. "I couldn't hold back my tears yesterday," said Darbellay.

Nevertheless, one thing is clear to him: the Lötschental will remain inhabited. "Leaving the valley is not an option," he said. Blatten will also be rebuilt. "Nobody can say whether it will be in exactly the same place," he said. How, where and when is still completely unclear at the moment. "But we have to offer the population of Blatten a long-term perspective," Darbellay continued.

1.55 p.m.

Evacuations by helicopter

As the cantonal command staff told "20 Minuten", further evacuations are currently being carried out by helicopter. Fafleralp, Gletscheralp and Eisten are affected.

The evacuations are being carried out due to the "housing situation". There is therefore no concrete danger for the people in these areas.

12.14 p.m.

Intervention in the disaster area currently impossible

Update 1.29 p.m.: Any intervention in the landslide area in the Lötschental in Valais is currently not possible due to the still dangerous situation, according to the canton. A large part of Blatten has been buried and numerous houses are under water.

There is a risk of mudslides on both sides of the valley, according to the situation report from the cantonal management body. The situation on the Kleiner Nesthorn is still unstable. Several hundred thousand cubic meters of rock are affected. Debris flows could also occur due to the rock, ice and water lying in the valley. The material is unstable.

Almost the entire Birch Glacier above Blatten broke off, according to the situation report. Following the huge landslide, a several dozen meter thick and around two kilometer long deposit of ice and debris lies on the valley floor near Blatten.

Most of Blatten was buried, and debris is blocking the Lonza. As a result, a lake formed, which flooded houses that were spared during the landslide. According to the management body, the main danger depends on how the river and the dammed-up water behave. If water runs over the debris deposit, debris avalanches could occur

11.43 a.m.

"We stand together with you"

The people of the Lötschental valley affected by the natural disaster receive numerous demonstrations of solidarity. National Council President Maja Riniker (FDP/AG) expressed her deep concern about the events, according to a short message from the parliamentary services on X.

Nationalratspräsidentin @MajaRiniker zeigt sich tief betroffen über die Ereignisse in Blatten VS. Tonnen von Geröll haben Teile der Gemeinde verschüttet. Ihre Gedanken sind bei den Betroffenen. Den Rettungskräften dankt sie für ihren unermüdlichen Einsatz. pic.twitter.com/LDSRRcOQdJ

— Parl CH (@ParlCH) May 28, 2025

FC Sion also pledged its support, as it wrote on X.

𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲́ 𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗰 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝘁 𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗲𝘁𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 🙏

Le FC Sion adresse tout son soutien aux habitants de Blatten et de la vallée du Lötschental. ❤️‍🩹

ℹ️https://t.co/HMGesbh1Hu

🗣Mir stah zamu mit oich🔴⚪️#Ensemble #Toujours pic.twitter.com/77YAFz7WGW

— FC Sion (@FCSion) May 28, 2025

11.39 a.m.

Appeal for donations for Blatten

The sponsorship for mountain communities is making one million francs available for Blatten. The money is to be used for clean-up and reconstruction work.

It can be assumed that the clean-up and restoration of infrastructure will cost millions, according to a statement from the Patenschaft für Berggemeinden. It set up a fund for Blatten and called for donations.

11.32 a.m.

Dammed water threatens other villages

Above Blatten, the river Lonza and the village stream Gisentella began to dam up, forming a lake behind the mass of debris. The water is rising very quickly and is threatening the villages down the valley.

Water rises higher and higherDammed lake above Blatten threatens villages in the valley

Bishops' Conference expresses solidarity with landslide victims

The Swiss Bishops' Conference is shocked by the natural disaster in the Lötschental. It has expressed its solidarity with the people who lost everything they owned when the glacier collapsed on Wednesday.

"In the face of this tragedy, the members of the Bishops' Conference express their solidarity with all those affected and pray for them," it wrote on Thursday. Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey of Sion addressed a prayer to the people of Blatten VS and the Lötschental, which was joined by the Swiss Bishops' Conference (SBC).

"What is happening to you is terrible! Together with all the inhabitants of Valais and many people beyond, I look at your village with a broken heart," began the prayer sent out by the SBC. "You know that faith is a strength that makes it possible to live on beyond such a catastrophe."

10.24 am

Caritas and the Swiss Red Cross donate 400,000 Swiss francs

Many residents of Blatten have lost all their belongings as a result of the disaster. Together, Caritas Switzerland and the Swiss Red Cross are providing 400,000 Swiss francs to help where the need is greatest.

In the first phase, in consultation with the relevant authorities, those affected will be provided with rapid emergency financial aid to purchase basic necessities. Thereafter, bridging assistance and support is provided for uncovered residual costs that are not covered by insurance or other contributions.

9.26 a.m.

Shocks were felt throughout Switzerland

The tremors caused by the glacier collapse in the Lötschental on Wednesday afternoon were felt throughout the country. According to the Earthquake Service at ETH Zurich, it was one of the largest mass movements ever recorded.

The smaller rockfalls from the Kleine Nesthorn in the days before the glacier collapse had already been recorded by the seismic network, as the Swiss Seismological Service (SED) at ETH Zurich writes. During the large glacier collapse at 3.24 p.m. on Wednesday, tremors of magnitude 3.1 were recorded.

The measurement is based on the maximum measured amplitude of the ground movement. These movements were clearly recorded by the SED stations throughout the country. Measured by the strength of the vibrations, the glacier collapse near Blatten VS is comparable to the landslide on Piz Cengalo above Bondo GR in 2017.

9.05 a.m.

The destruction is enormous

Water pools in Blatten after the landslide. Images from Wednesday evening show the extent of the destruction.

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7.18 am

Partial evacuation in the municipalities of Wiler and Kippel

There was no erosion in the municipalities downstream of Blatten on Thursday night. However, the lake behind the deposits in Blatten VS has continued to fill up, said a spokesperson for the Lötschental regional command staff on Thursday morning at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency.

As a precaution, some buildings in the downstream municipalities of Wiler and Kippel were evacuated on Wednesday. There is a possibility that large outflows from the lake could erode the land along the Lonza, the spokesperson explained.

According to SRF, 16 people are affected by the evacuation in Wiler and Kippel.

5.45 a.m.

Fund with one million francs for clean-up and reconstruction work

The Swiss Sponsorship for Mountain Communities has set up a fund of one million Swiss francs for the municipality of Blatten. This is to be used for clean-up and reconstruction work on destroyed public infrastructure.

The authorities wanted to provide information on developments in the disaster area at a further media conference on Thursday.

Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5.39 a.m.

Almost 90 percent of Blatten buried under mudslide

With the enormous glacier collapse and the devastating mudslide, the worst-case scenario occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Blatten in the Valais Lötschental. Almost 90 percent of the village was buried under a mudslide several meters high, according to the regional command staff.

Around 300 people had to leave their homes in Blatten on May 19, after the first signs of an impending major landslide in the Lötschental had appeared two days earlier. Many of these houses are now destroyed, buried under a thick mass of rubble. A care team was deployed to provide psychological support to those affected, as Matthias Ebener from the regional command staff said.

22.31

Search operation for missing 64-year-old is in full swing

After the devastating glacier collapse and debris flow in Blatten VS, the search operation for a missing 64-year-old local man continued at full speed on Wednesday evening. The missing person was reported to the authorities shortly after 4.30 pm.

Three rescue specialists from the Valais cantonal rescue organization flew to the disaster area in an Air Zermatt helicopter, according to the Valais cantonal police. There they dropped off near a cone of rubble and began the search.

To assist them, a drone with a thermal imaging camera flew over the search area. According to initial findings, the missing 64-year-old was in the area when the debris flow began.

Despite intensive efforts, no trace of the man was found until after 10 pm. The rescue teams continued their search. They were constantly checking additional measures and other possibilities for locating him.

7.31 p.m.

Information will be provided again on Thursday

The press conference is closed. The next press conference is expected to take place on Thursday. Until then, the situation will continue to be monitored and action taken.

7.26 pm

What about the homeowners who have lost everything?

What about the people who have only temporarily withdrawn from the village? The municipality replies: "At the moment, this is not a priority. People have largely organized themselves and settled in."

First of all, other things are more necessary and are being prioritized by the canton and the municipality. Only at a later stage will it be possible to broaden the priorities.

Nevertheless, a care team is on site and is looking after the people affected.

7.20 p.m.

Municipality confirms: One person is missing

One person is currently missing. The municipality confirmed this at the press conference in response to a question from a member of the media.

However, no further details can be given about the person or the circumstances.

7.17 p.m.

Albert Rösti comments on the situation

Federal Councillor Alber Rösti is also present at the press conference. He says: "It leaves you stunned and shocked when you see the pictures. My thoughts are with all the people of Baltten and Blattner who lost their village today."

7.16 pm

3 million cubic meters of rock on Blatten VS

According to the authorities, around 3 million cubic meters of rock, ice and debris fell from the mountain onto the village during the glacier collapse. Exact figures are not yet available.

It is very rare what has happened. They are working at full speed to clear away the debris and slowly rebuild the village.

7.11 pm

Mayor wants to rebuild Blatten

On Wednesday evening, the municipality, the canton and the Federal Council provide information on the situation in Blatten.

Matthias Bellwald, the mayor of Blatten, is given the floor first. He says: "The unimaginable has happened. We have practically lost the visible village. I'm glad we were able to evacuate the residents and the whole village."

He continues: "We have lost the village, but not our hearts." Every effort is being made to rebuild the village. "Embrace each other and support each other," he concludes.

6.55 pm

Canton calls for help with pumping out

The canton of Valais sent out a statement shortly before the press conference. It confirms the "considerable danger" in the Lonza riverbed. The riverbed has been buried and there is a risk of damming and flooding.

In order to deal with this situation, the cantonal management body mobilized several resources in addition to the normal resources. It immediately requested support from the army in the form of pumps to secure the Lonza bed, equipment to clear and evacuate debris and lighting masts for the disaster area, according to the press release. The civil defense is also deployed.

One person is missing

One person has been missing since the glacier masses collapsed. This was reported by the Valais online portal "Pomona" based on statements from Matthias Ebener, the head of information at the regional command post.

18.14 hrs

Municipality closes road to Blatten VS

The municipality of Blatten warns of an acute landslide risk in the area between Goppenstein and Blatten. In a message via the AlertSwiss emergency information system, it writes: "The Goppenstein cantonal road in the direction of Blatten is closed to all traffic (residents are exempt)."

It continues: "A rockfall / landslide must be expected in the affected area. Do not stay in the evacuated area. Do not cross any barriers. Follow the instructions of the authorities."

18.13 hrs

President Keller-Sutter expresses her sympathy

Following the glacier collapse in Blatten in the Lötschental valley, President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter addressed those affected on Platform X. "It's terrible when you lose your home," she wrote. Referring to a picture of the destruction in the village, Keller-Sutter continued: "My heart goes out to the residents of Blatten at this time."

Es ist schlimm, wenn man seine Heimat verliert. Ich fühle in diesen Stunden mit den Bewohnerinnen und Bewohnern von Blatten. pic.twitter.com/BArZbIAQSn

— Karin Keller-Sutter (@keller_sutter) May 28, 2025

17.53 hrs

Canton asks for help - army delivers

Following the glacier collapse near Blatten, the canton of Valais declares a special situation - and submits a request for army assistance. The army is sending a reconnaissance detachment to support the canton in assessing the situation.

The full statement from the army to blue News: "The army is ready to support the civilian authorities as quickly and purposefully as possible within the framework of military disaster relief. A corresponding request was submitted today by the canton and is currently being examined. As an immediate measure, an army reconnaissance detachment has been set up to support the authorities of the canton of Valais in the next few hours in assessing the situation and possible services to be provided by the army."

Canton asks for helpArmy reconnaissance team on the way to Blatten

17.34 hrs

Federal Councillors Rösti and Pfister in Blatten VS

Federal Councillor Albert Rösti traveled to the Valais disaster area on Wednesday. As Franziska Ingold, Head of Communications at DETEC, confirmed to Blick, the Environment Minister wanted to "offer comfort and support". He will also take part in a report by the emergency services to get an idea of the situation on the ground.

But that's not all: Defense Minister Martin Pfister, who is responsible for civil protection, is also expected in Blatten on Wednesday evening, Blick has learned.

16.47 hrs

Earthquake service registered the glacier slide

The Swiss Seismological Service (SED) announces on its website that the glacier slide has been registered as a geological "mass movement": At 15:24, a magnitude 3.1 quake was recorded at the Goppenstein VS site. The data from the sensors was confirmed by the SED.

16.35 hrs

Municipal council: "The unbelievable has happened"

The municipality of Blatten VS issued a statement at 4.30 pm: "The unbelievable has happened. A very large glacier collapse occurred about 45 minutes ago. A large part of the village is affected."

Masses of debris bury a large part of Blatten VS - Gallery



The debris avalanche reaches gigantic proportions.

Image: Keystone



The large avalanche of ice, debris and mud near the bottom of the valley near Wiler.

Image: Keystone

Masses of debris bury a large part of Blatten VS - Gallery



The debris avalanche reaches gigantic proportions.

Image: Keystone



The large avalanche of ice, debris and mud near the bottom of the valley near Wiler.

Image: Keystone

In the letter, she also addresses the population: "We are currently trying to get a picture of the situation. We can only say that our thoughts are with you. As difficult as it is. We are trying to support you as much as we can and will keep you up to date."

15:36

Huge demolition on Wednesday afternoon

There has been another major demolition on the small Nesthorn, according to several media reports. How much is not yet known. According to the regional command staff, the masses of debris have reached the village. There was probably damage to buildings and infrastructure, they said.

The media conference at 4 p.m. was canceled.

11.23 a.m.

Blatten VS: State Council declares "special situation"

The Valais State Council has taken measures: In order to be able to act quickly in the event of an emergency and deploy emergency services immediately, it has declared a special situation. The reason for this is the acute risk of a section of the Birch Glacier above Blatten collapsing. A collapse could lead to major debris flows or landslides and endanger the village of Blatten.

The authorities are calling on the population to follow their instructions precisely and not to enter the affected area under any circumstances. The cantonal management body is continuously monitoring and assessing the situation.

10.08 a.m.

Masses of debris overflow the protective dam for the first time

The media portal "Pomona" reports that debris has flowed over the protective dam near Blatten for the first time.

This is confirmed by a photo available to the portal, which was taken at 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

May 28, 07.38 a.m.

Massive glacier collapse brings record amounts into the valley

Although the glacier did not collapse completely last night, the largest mass of ice ever transported into the valley since measurements began. After the striking break-off on Tuesday evening, the glacier collapses increased significantly, as reported by an SRF reporter on site. Particularly dramatic: at around 4 a.m., there was another massive collapse, during which thousands of cubic meters of material presumably tumbled into the valley.

Images from a thermal imaging drone also confirm the scale of the events. The debris cone in the valley has almost doubled in size compared to the previous evening. Despite the enormous amounts of ice, the avalanche control dam continues to do its job: the sliding material is deflected and flows into uninhabited areas.

23.28 hrs

"We're talking about thousands of cubic meters"

The debris from the evening glacier collapse did not reach Blatten, but slid down to a dam wall. "The debris stopped 400 meters from the first houses," the authorities noted. According to the information, it was not possible to say in the evening how much debris had fallen. "But we can speak of thousands of cubic meters," said the command staff.

The news from the Kleine Nesthorn, the mountain above the Birch Glacier, was more positive. The situation on the rockfall front seemed to have calmed down for just over 24 hours. There were still isolated rockfalls in the night to Tuesday.

20.43 hrs

Largest glacier collapse since the evacuation

A large glacier collapse occurred in the evening in the danger zone. This is reported by SRF. However, the flow of debris, snow and ice did not reach the village.

According to the command staff, this was the largest glacier collapse to date since the evacuation of the village of Blatten began. Several thousand cubic meters of demolition material have been set in motion, as can be seen on moving images. Trees buckled under the force of the mass and were swept away. The debris came to a standstill around 400 meters above the River Lonza.

10.15 a.m.

More and more glacier collapses near Blatten VS - "Several thousand cubic meters are shifting"

As the regional command staff announced on Tuesday morning, there were several smaller rockfalls yesterday as well as further ice falls directly from the glacier front. The latter triggered ice avalanches into the Birchbach. The glacier is currently moving at a rate of around ten meters per day - an exceptionally high rate.

Activity increased further during the night. Although larger rock avalanches remained rare, the number of glacier avalanches increased. A large avalanche of ice, snow, rock and water broke loose, but came to a halt above the valley floor, according to reports.

On Tuesday morning, SRF reporter Beat Kälin reports from the valley: "The changes of the last eight hours are clearly visible. Several thousand cubic meters of glacier mass have already shifted down the valley." The brown color of the meltwater in the Birchbach is particularly noticeable - a clear sign that large quantities of rock and fine material are being carried along.

Since 5:20 a.m. there has been thick fog over the glacier, accompanied by a light drizzle. Visibility of what is happening has been severely restricted since then. A reconnaissance flight is to take place today to better assess the situation. Experts are also installing a second camera with an oblique view of the glacier front. This should enable more precise statements to be made about the movements and crevasse formations in future.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 4 a.m.

Municipality informed: Glacier now moving 10 meters per day

The municipality of Blatten announced on Monday evening that there had been further small rockfalls and several icefalls from the glacier front, which in turn had triggered ice avalanches in Birchbach. However, these did not reach the valley floor. This was reported by SRF.

The glacier front is currently moving at a speed of 10 meters per day, the municipality explained. Further ice break-offs are to be expected.

Monday, May 26, 2025, 07.19 a.m.

High pressure on glacier mass - municipality expands monitoring

Huge amounts of material continue to move on the Kleiner Nesthorn: around 3.5 million cubic meters of rock have already broken off and are piling up on the Birch Glacier, weighing nine million tons. The emergency services remain on standby and all preparatory measures have been taken. From Monday, experts will analyze the current data to see how the situation develops.

The Birch Glacier also remains a risk. There have been new break-offs across the entire width of the front in recent days. Although the ice has not yet reached the valley floor, it is moving 2.5 to 3.5 meters downhill every day. Around 250,000 to 600,000 cubic meters of unstable glacier mass are weighing down on the ice under high pressure.

The municipality has published a current photo that impressively shows the tense conditions. The glacier continues to be monitored around the clock.

Meanwhile, the evacuated population can get back to a bit of everyday life: the Blatten municipal chancellery will resume operations on Monday, May 26, on the second floor of the town hall in Wiler. It will be open at the usual times, but only in the afternoon on Monday. The office will be closed on Thursday for Ascension Day.

Supplies for the external locations will also be organized: Helicopter flights will take place on Tuesday or Wednesday. Anyone who has a requirement must notify the contact persons on site by 12.00 noon on Monday.

5.44 p.m.

Nine million tons lie on the Birch Glacier

The Birch Glacier above Blatten VS in the Lötschental is causing the most concern among experts. According to the cantonal natural hazards office, it is in danger of breaking off. There are around nine million tons of debris on the ice. The mayor of Blatten is hoping for a return to the village. When, however, is uncertain.

The glacier is moving two and a half to three and a half meters per day towards the valley, as Alban Brigger from the Valais Natural Hazards Office said at a media event in Ferden VS on Sunday. An exponential acceleration, as had been feared, had not been observed.

The data is not reliable, as the experts had "major problems" with data transmission via the GSM mobile network. The reason for this is the limited bandwidth in the Lötschental, explained Brigger. He hoped for a solution with Swisscom in the next day or two. Another possibility is a solution via satellite communication.

A new, fresh crack was also spotted in the Birch Glacier. "This crack is practically continuous." Brigger assumed that the glacier would "break off soon". This could happen in several or in one event. However, the ice will certainly not remain where it is now.

A three-dimensional analysis of the eroding Kleiner Nesthorn showed that the mountain has become smaller in certain places compared to July 2024. The largest subsidence is 101 meters, as Brigger said. The rubble is now further down. The material is piled up to 81 meters thick.

16.36 hrs

Media conference ends

The crisis team thanks the media representatives present for their attention and ends the media conference.

16.38 hrs

Can the ice be blown up?

A member of the media wants to know whether it would be possible to blow up the glacier ice. Brigger replies: "Blasting is neither technically nor organizationally feasible. Blasting ice is practically impossible."

16.35 hrs

Media representatives ask questions - praise for Swisscom

A media representative wants to know whether it is not possible for Swisscom to provide sufficient bandwidth? "Swisscom is doing everything humanly possible to give us the best connection," replies Alban Brigger. "We and Geoprevent are in very good contact with Swisscom. They are doing everything humanly possible to provide sufficient data transmission on the existing bandwidth. Swisscom is also treating us as a priority here. But the overall bandwidth is no greater. We can't expand it." Better bandwidth is possible by setting up additional antennas. However, this would take a few days.

4.30 p.m.

Brigger appeals to the residents

"I know everyone wants to return to their beloved four walls. Impatience is growing, but I ask the municipality and the residents of Blatten to be patient." Priority is given to protecting the population.

16.27 hrs

Situation on the glacier remains complex

The enormous pressure on the glacier remains the crucial problem. "If the many cubic meters of debris were lying on a beautiful alp and not on a moving glacier, the situation would look different." Various scenarios will be worked out and passed on to the municipality as recommendations. Depending on the scenario, certain areas in Blatten might be reopened. "But it's of little use if we don't monitor access to Blatten. The access is very exposed and lies directly below the glacier."

16.22 hrs

Brigger talks about the 3D model

"Around 3.5 million cubic meters have broken off so far. If you convert that, you have an additional load of nine million tons on the glacier." The volume of the glacier front that threatens to break off is 0.25 to 0.6 million cubic meters, depending on the thickness of the glacier, explains Brigger. The biggest threat to Blatten is still a complete collapse of the glacier together with the rock debris in the form of a rapid debris flow.

4.15 p.m.

Alban Brigger from the Natural Hazards Office takes the floor

Brigger shows pictures of the current situation on the mountain. One of the pictures shows the edge of the collapse. "You get the impression that everything has stabilized when you look at the pictures, but that's not the case." During the reconnaissance flight last Friday, no break-off points were detected on the northern flank of the mountain. In the case of the glacier, it was noticeable that the break-off material was already reaching far towards the front. Glacier break-offs have been observed in this area. Despite the data assistance provided by Swisscom, it is still very difficult to provide reliable information on the speed of the glacier. "The glacier is moving between 2.5 and 3.5 meters per day. We are no longer assuming exponential acceleration," says Brigger.

4.05 p.m.

Matthias Bellwald, mayor of Blatten, reports on the current situation

Bellwald talks about the continuing high flow rate of the Birch Glacier at four meters per day. "The mountain is continuing to erode, but currently with a positive trend for the village of Blatten," says Bellwald. If the glacier continues to move in small steps, the village will remain intact. He speaks of the great resilience of the regional management team and the people of Blatten.

4 p.m.

Media conference of the regional command staff on the situation in the landslide area of Blatten VS

We'll keep you up to date in the stream and ticker.

09.50 am

Birch Glacier continues to move towards the valley

The mountain above Blatten VS in the Lötschental in Valais continued to be unstable on Sunday morning. The glacier continued to move towards the valley. Rockfalls and ice avalanches occurred repeatedly during the night to Sunday.

The debris and ice did not reach the valley, as Josianne Jaggi, spokeswoman for the Lötschental Regional Command Staff (RFS), told the Keystone-SDA news agency on Sunday morning on request. There had been no major changes compared to Saturday.

The debris cone on the Birch Glacier had increased slightly. The weight of the debris is pushing the glacier forward and it is crumbling at the tip of the tongue. According to Jaggi, the ice was moving forward at a rate of four to four and a half meters per day.

Sunday, May 25, 2025, 09.12 a.m.

The mountain holds for another night - unstable zone remains highly active

The unstable zone above Blatten remains very active and the situation is still tense, as reported by SRF. It rained last night and there was complete lack of visibility between 01:00 and 03:15 due to dense fog. The mountain repeatedly drew attention to itself acoustically - the constant rumbling and rumbling indicated that the rock was constantly moving.

No large-scale changes are currently visible, SRF reports. However, smaller fractures were detected when thermal images taken at midnight were compared with current images.

In addition, cracks run through the entire front, indicating ongoing tension in the ice.

16.29

Glacier doubles its speed from Friday to Saturday

Geological activity around the Kleine Nesthorn continues to increase, as the Lötschental Regional Command Staff (RFS) announced on Saturday afternoon. The situation remains tense and is being closely monitored. The authorities urged caution.

The rock formations continued to show clear signs of instability. Rockfalls are constantly being observed, particularly on the eastern flank.

The glacier movement itself is causing concern: Between Friday evening and Saturday morning, clear tilting movements at the front and sliding movements at the base of the glacier were visible. According to the communiqué, several cracks have also formed in the front area of the glacier, along which partial break-offs appear increasingly likely.

The speed of movement is increasing and has doubled from Friday to Saturday. It amounts to around four to four and a half meters per day, said Matthias Ebener, spokesman for the RFS.

3.02 p.m.

13 people have been cut off from the world for days

When the village of Blatten VS was evacuated on Monday due to the threat of a landslide, the team at the Hotel Fafleralp was in the middle of preparations for the start of the season on Friday. Nothing came of it. Instead of welcoming guests, the staff have been stuck in the hotel at the upper end of the village of Blatten for days.

Although the Hotel Fafleralp is located outside the danger zone, the road remained closed - as is often the case in winter. "We're trying to make the best of it," says Barbara Achrainer, who runs the hotel, to theAargauer Zeitungnewspaper. But she is worried: even if the situation eases in the coming week and the roads open up, "Who will still come to us on vacation?"

May 24, 10.30 a.m.

Movement on the mountain above Blatten VS remains visible

On the mountain above the village of Blatten in the Valais Lötschental, a movement of debris was still visible on Saturday morning. There were regular small falls. The debris did not fall down into the valley.

Compared to Friday, there were no significant changes, Matthias Ebener from the regional command staff (RFS) told the Keystone-SDA news agency on request. Smaller amounts of debris are still breaking off and the glacier is still moving. On Friday, the Birch Glacier was moving at a rate of around two to two and a half meters per day.

A cone of debris has piled up on the glacier in recent days. According to estimates, there are three million cubic meters of debris on the glacier, says Ebener. Exact figures from measurements were not available.

Large glacier collapse as the "worst danger"

It remains uncertain what effect the weight of the debris will have on the glacier. Ebener described two scenarios. On the one hand, the weight could push the glacier forward and cause minor ice break-offs at the front of the glacier.

On the other hand, the "worst danger" is that the glacier breaks off due to the weight. The debris and ice would then tumble down the mountain together.

2.15 pm

Glacier collapse is likely

In the morning, a total of five reconnaissance flights were carried out in the landslide area. Two of them with geologists and glaciologists, one to create a terrain model and two more with media representatives.

The experts hope that these reconnaissance flights will provide a more precise picture of the situation in the landslide area. The results of the subsequent calculations are to be announced at the weekend.

"A landslide with large volumes is now rather unlikely", according to a statement. However, due to the speed trend, a collapse and fall of the glacier is still likely.

The main deposit cone is still more than 100 meters away from the glacier front. However, individual blocks have fallen much further and in some cases even beyond the glacier tongue. The radar measurements do not currently allow any conclusions to be drawn about the volume that has fallen.

Friday, May 23, 2.05 p.m.

Glacier moving faster and faster

The movement of the glacier in the landslide area of Blatten in the Valais Lötschental accelerated again from Thursday to Friday. This poses the risk of parts of the glacier falling into the valley and triggering debris flows.

"The glacier is currently moving at a rate of around two meters per day," Jonas Jeitziner, deputy head of information at the regional command staff, told the Keystone-SDA news agency on Friday when asked.

The previous day, the glacier had moved forward at around 1.5 meters per day, while on Wednesday it was around 0.8 to 1 meter. However, there have been no glacier collapses so far, according to Jeitziner.

8.30 p.m.

Two thirds of the rock mass has already fallen

Another part of the acutely unstable area in the Blatten landslide area broke off on Thursday evening. Two thirds of the unstable material has therefore already broken away. Meanwhile, movement on the glacier has accelerated to 1.5 meters per day, according to the Lötschental Regional Command Staff. Rock could fall from the Kleine Nesthorn onto the Birch Glacier and sweep the glacier away. In any case, the geologists are satisfied with the situation of many small falls. Reconnaissance flights are to be carried out on Friday when the weather improves.

16.45 hrs

Glacier in the Blatten landslide area is moving faster

The movement of the glacier in the landslide area of Blatten in Valais accelerated further on Thursday. This development in particular is currently causing concern among the experts on site.

There is an acceleration of movement in the area of the glacier front, explained engineer Alban Brigger from the Natural Hazards Office. "On Tuesday, the glacier was moving forward at around half a meter per day, on Wednesday it was around 0.8 to 1 meter. At the moment, we are in the region of 1.5 meters or even slightly faster," explained Brigger.

The question is whether it is just the front or the entire glacier. However, it is not possible to make any clear statements at the moment. The weather and visibility were again poor on Thursday, making reconnaissance flights impossible. The weather is expected to improve on Friday and several reconnaissance flights are planned.

On the other hand, the experts are pleased that the landslide continues to occur "in relatively small and constant bursts".

Thursday, May 22, 2025, 3 p.m.

Those responsible are now providing information

The authorities are once again providing information on the situation in Blatten VS today. You can follow the media conference in the livestream above.

3.29 pm

Media conference finished

blue News continues to closely follow the developments in Blatten.

3.27 pm

What happens now?

Alban Brigger says in response to a question from a journalist: "We assume that the rest of the front edge will also come down soon." As soon as this is down, most of the village will have survived the worst of it.

After that, the decisive factor will be how the debris flows continue. However, it is not expected that this will take months.

3.24 pm

Two problem children remain

"The material continues to press against the glacier front," says Alban Brigger. There are still two problem children: the large masses of rock that are still on top and the glacier front.

"We have noticed that ice is breaking off at the glacier front." Compared to the previous day, this movement on the glacier front has become faster.

3.22 p.m.

Cautiously optimistic

"We are satisfied with the development so far - i.e. several partial break-offs," says Brigger. It is assumed that more than two million cubic meters of rock have broken off so far. The total unstable mass is estimated at 4 to 6 million cubic meters.

"We are now hoping that the rest of the mass will also fall in partial collapses," says Brigger. However, the geologists involved cannot rule out the possibility of the scenario occurring in one go.

3.13 pm

Fog makes assessment difficult

"Unfortunately, we can't see much more than you can," says Alban Brigger, engineer for natural hazards in Upper Valais, and shows a picture of the summit, on which fog is mainly visible. A reconnaissance flight with a geologist was canceled today due to the weather.

"We have been able to see constant break-offs on the ridge in the northern degree. This is also confirmed by the images from the thermal imaging camera," says Brigger.

3.08 pm

"Everything happened very quickly"

Matthias Bellwald, mayor of Blatten, summarizes the events of the last few days. He emphasizes: "Everything happened very quickly." And he thanks everyone involved for their hard work.

The most important goal was to ensure that nobody came to any harm. That has been achieved so far.

3 p.m.

Those responsible provide information on the situation

New day, same scenario: at 3 p.m., those responsible provide information on the situation in Blatten. The mountain is still moving and it is unclear whether there will be a major collapse. You can follow the media conference in the livestream above.

12.02 pm

Rockfalls can be heard again and again

The situation in the landslide area remains tense. Rockfalls can be heard again and again, as Jonas Jeitziner, deputy head of information at the regional command post, said on Wednesday when asked.

The problem is that visibility is poor at the moment due to the weather. It is therefore difficult to estimate how much additional rock has fallen since Tuesday.

Jeitziner told the Keystone-SDA news agency that the geologists would be able to provide more information at a media conference on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the information available on Tuesday, there are still around three million cubic meters of unstable mass on the mountain. There was also a lot of movement on the Kleiner Nesthorn during the night to Wednesday. A constant rumbling could be heard during the night, said a spokesperson.

Wednesday, May 21, 6.36 a.m.

Further minor demolitions during the night

The situation in Blatten in the Valais Lötschental remained tense during the night to Wednesday. According to a spokesperson for the Lötschental regional management team, further small rockfalls occurred. The pile of rubble on the Birch Glacier had grown.

There is still a lot of movement on the Kleiner Nesthorn. A constant rumbling could be heard during the night, said the spokesperson at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency.

It is difficult to predict how the situation will develop. The Lower Birch Glacier was already causing concern on Tuesday. It has recently been moving very quickly at half a meter per day, as Alban Brigger, engineer for natural hazards in Upper Valais, told the media in Ferden.

It is conceivable that part of the rock mass could fall directly onto the glacier. It is also possible that the glacier could thunder forward into the valley, mix with other landslide material and dam up the River Lonza, said Brigger. The experts on site considered the smaller partial collapses to be the best possible scenario.

18.27 hrs

Now the cows are being flown out by helicopter

After the people of Blatten in the Valais Lötschental were evacuated on Monday due to the imminent threat of a landslide, the cattle from the mountain village are now also being brought to safety. Some animals had to be flown out by helicopter. The evacuation of the cattle should be completed by the evening.

18.04 hrs

Aerial photos of the landslide area open to the public

The situation in the landslide area near Blatten VS in the Lötschental valley is being recorded from the air at the request of the canton of Valais. The images produced by Swisstopo and made available to the public are intended to contribute to the documentation and management of the natural event.

The first flights for the rapid mapping operation took place on Monday, as announced by the Federal Office of Topography (Swisstopo) on Tuesday. The images from the area around the Birch Glacier and the Kleine Nesthorn are publicly available here.

3.37 p.m.

"I can't say that the danger has been averted"

"I can't say that the danger has been averted," says Brigger. However, the progress so far, with several partial collapses, makes him somewhat more confident about the dynamics. This is also helped by the fact that the mountain is very rugged.

That concludes the media conference.

3.33 pm

Demolition is not an option

Blasting is not an option, explains Alban Brigger when asked by a journalist. It would be too dangerous to send people up there. It is also unrealistic to drill holes for a possible demolition.

3.31 pm

"The Lötschental will also survive this event"

"We live in a valley that is shaped by nature," says Valley Council President Christian Rieder. This can be seen in its beauty, but also in its wilderness.

"We all look with compassion at what the people of Blatten are experiencing," says Rieder. The event is likely to be deeply engraved in the history of the valley.

The valley can be proud of the cohesion of the community. Rieder thanks the residents of Blatten for their patience and everyone involved for their help.

Rieder is also combative: "The Lötschental will also survive this event."

3.25 pm

Several scenarios determined

According to Brigger, scenarios for the landslide are being investigated. For example, the rock masses could dam up the River Lonza and cause a lake to form. "We will decide how to proceed on the basis of these scenarios," says Brigger.

In the best-case scenario, the rocks would fall in portions as before.

3.23 pm

"The behavior of the glacier is the big unknown"

As soon as the weather conditions allow, a 3D model is planned that will make it easier to understand the partial collapses and the speed of movement, says Alban Brigger.

The hoped-for scenario of several partial collapses instead of one large collapse has so far materialized.

"What is currently causing us some concern is the lower Birch Glacier, which is shifting at a relatively high speed," says Brigger. This behavior is the big unknown for the experts. It is conceivable that the glacier could tumble down and mix with other landslide material.

3.18 p.m.

GPS device crashed

"Even for those of us who deal with natural phenomena on a daily basis, this is not an everyday process," says Alban Brigger, engineer for natural hazards in Upper Valais. It is currently estimated that around 1.5 million cubic meters of rock have broken off so far.

Exact information on the displacement is no longer available because the GPS device that was set up has also crashed in the meantime. However, a radar device has been installed to measure the speed of the movement.

3.08 pm

People above Blatten not evacuated

"Our top priority is still to get everyone out of the affected area unharmed. So far, we have succeeded in doing so," says Matthias Bellwald, mayor of Blatten. There are also zones that did not have to be evacuated. People above Blatten were also able to stay in their homes, but were cut off. We are in contact with these people, says Bellwald. "The supply is guaranteed."

The evacuation of animals is also practically complete.

3 p.m.

Officials provide information on the situation

The anxious wait in Blatten continues. The mountain is still moving and it is unclear whether there will be a major collapse. Those responsible will provide information on the current situation at 3 pm. You can follow the media conference in Ferden in the livestream above.

11.48 am

"A third of the mountain is down"

"You keep seeing clouds of dust coming and you can hear the debris," says Jonas Jeitziner from the regional command staff to SRF. You can hear that something is coming, but always to the extent that the debris collects above the glacier and nothing new penetrates to the valley floor.

Jeitziner still speaks of a total of five million cubic meters that are in motion and could break off in the worst case. According to estimates, 1.5 million cubic meters have already broken off: "We're talking about a third that was already in motion."

10.20 a.m.

A matter of hours: Blatten is "actually just waiting for the big demolition"

Jonas Jeitziner from the information team of the command staff commented on the current situation this morning in an interview with Radio Rottu Oberwallis (RRO).

The canton has requested military assistance as a precautionary measure - in the event of a major landslide. He did not want to give any further estimates on the timing or extent of the possible demolition: "We are waiting for the biologist's expert assessment."

Baltten VS / Danger of rockfall



The demolition site at the Kleine Nesthorn.

Image: sda



The village of Blatten VS was completely evacuated on Monday, May 19. 300 people had to leave the village.

Image: KEYSTONE



Within a week until May 18, a rockfall occurred from the Birch Glacier towards the valley.

Image: KEYSTONE



In the worst-case scenario, experts estimate that 5 million cubic meters of rock could come down.

Image: KEYSTONE



The Valais municipality of Blatten is located in the Lötschental valley (marked in orange).

Image: Openstreetmaps

Baltten VS / Danger of rockfall



The demolition site at the Kleine Nesthorn.

Image: sda



The village of Blatten VS was completely evacuated on Monday, May 19. 300 people had to leave the village.

Image: KEYSTONE



Within a week until May 18, a rockfall occurred from the Birch Glacier towards the valley.

Image: KEYSTONE



In the worst-case scenario, experts estimate that 5 million cubic meters of rock could come down.

Image: KEYSTONE



The Valais municipality of Blatten is located in the Lötschental valley (marked in orange).

Image: Openstreetmaps

According to geologists, however, they are no longer talking about days, but hours. "In this sense, we are actually just waiting for the big demolition," said Jeitziner.

7.47 a.m.

Mayor: "Five days ago, nobody would have thought that a mountain that we thought was immovable would move"

The mayor of Blatten, Matthias Bellwald, told the media: "Five days ago, nobody would have thought that a mountain that we have admired for years and thought was immovable would move."

The subsidence on the Kleine Nesthorn has accelerated rapidly since last week and the cracks have become visible, according to the mayor.

The evacuation of the entire village had therefore been ordered. It was uncertain when the 300 people would be able to return to their homes. "We hope that people will be able to return as quickly as possible," said Bellwald.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 5:53 a.m.

Situation above the village remains calm during the night

The situation in the Valais village of Blatten, which was threatened by a landslide, remained calm on Tuesday night. The anxiety continues, especially for the 300 evacuated residents.

There were no major collapses on the Kleine Nesthorn during the night, said a spokesperson for the Lötschental regional command staff early on Tuesday morning at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency.

The last major collapse above Blatten occurred early Monday evening. However, this was not the expected major event. Most recently, up to three million cubic meters of material were expected to be demolished, as Alban Brigger, engineer for natural hazards in Upper Valais, said on Monday afternoon.

21.45 hrs

All residents safe and with accommodation

According to the municipal app, all evacuees are safe and have found accommodation - in neighboring hamlets and in some cases also in the Alps. Contact persons serve as contact persons and provide food, medication and the like by taking and coordinating orders.

19.05 hrs

Part of the summit has broken off

Part of the summit has broken off. This is reported by the "Walliser Bote". According to the report, material has flowed down the glacier for the first time. The break-off of the eastern ridge triggered an avalanche of debris

17.00 hrs

Massive demolition of up to five million cubic meters expected

The mayor of Blatten, Matthias Bellwald, said at a media conference: "Five days ago, nobody would have thought that a mountain that we have admired for years and thought was immovable would move."

The subsidence on the Nesthorn has accelerated rapidly since last week and the cracks on the north face of the Nesthorn have become visible. This is why the entire village was ordered to be evacuated. "We hope that people will be able to return as quickly as possible," said Bellwald.

Not one million, but possibly five million cubic meters of material could move down into the valley, according to the mayor.

Alban Brigger, engineer for natural hazards in Upper Valais, added: "Our aim is to ensure that no one is harmed." This mountain had been under intensive observation since last week and various reconnaissance flights had been carried out.

The results of the GPS measurements were available this Monday morning, said Brigger. They found that the danger had increased noticeably. A total vertical shift of over 17 meters had been detected since the last measurement. Horizontally, the mountain has sunk eight meters.

Impending rockfall in Blatten VS"Must interrupt briefly": This is how SRF announced the evacuation order 9 days ago

A major collapse could therefore occur in the next few hours. That is why there is talk of a landslide. It is a matter of hours and not necessarily days that there will be further collapses.

The uncertainty is too high, which is why the evacuation perimeter has been massively extended. According to Brigger, one to three million cubic meters of material are currently expected to fall.

2.41 p.m.

"Mountain is moving faster and faster" - will there still be a rockfall today?

According to Alban Brigger, engineer for natural hazards in Upper Valais, a massive landslide is imminent - it could be just a matter of hours, reports "20 Minuten". The greatest danger: a huge avalanche of debris, ice, snow and mud that could roll unchecked into the valley.

"The mountain is moving faster and faster," explains Brigger to "20 Minuten". Between 12 and 12.30 p.m., a partial collapse was already registered on a webcam in the central area - with an estimated volume of over 50,000 cubic meters. This is exactly where significant cracks had previously been discovered. "This is an exponential development, the likes of which we rarely see," says Brigger.

Will the main collapse happen today?

The experts are now expecting the worst - the main collapse could follow today: "Probably in the next few hours, one or two days at most," says Brigger. Nevertheless, they are hoping for the lesser of two evils: several partial collapses instead of a massive collapse. That would dampen the energy of the descent.

"When I came back and saw that a partial collapse had already taken place, it was almost a wishful thinking scenario - as macabre as that sounds."

12.50 pm

This is where the debris flow occurred

A rockslide in the "Kleiner Nesthorn" area has shaken the region: the broken-off rock masses swept away part of the Birch Glacier. The result was a debris flow that reached the dimensions of a small avalanche.

According to the authorities, the debris only came to a halt around 500 meters above the River Lonza. Luckily, the river itself has not yet been affected.

Die Lage in Blatten, Lötschental, Wallis hat sich zugespitzt: Heute wurden grosse Teile der Ortschaft evakuiert. Es droht ein Bergsturz/Murgang aus dem Bereich Kleines Nesthorn. Vergleich 10./18. Mai. Dorf Blatten unten mittig neben Schuttfächer. https://t.co/UCQDEuAyGG pic.twitter.com/qd2jrFkf5n

— Matthias Sänger (@myweather_ch) May 19, 2025

Monday, May 19, 12.46 p.m.

Animals are brought to safety - people find refuge with friends

The dramatic situation in Blatten is not only forcing around 300 people to flee - animals from several farms are also currently being brought to safety. This was confirmed by the authorities on Sunday.

While a large part of the evacuated population has found shelter with friends, relatives or private individuals willing to help, others have been accommodated in group accommodation in the valley. Head of Information Matthias Ebener explained this to the media.

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This is what has happened so far:

Around 300 people were evacuated on Monday in Blatten VS due to a high risk of rockfall. The regional command staff expect the evacuation to be called off at any moment, as head of information Matthias Ebener told the Keystone-SDA news agency when asked.

Ebener said that 300 residents and around one hundred buildings were affected by the evacuation. They would be received in Wiler and in most cases given private accommodation.

There are no more tourists in the municipality. They had already been brought to safety on Saturday with the first 92 or so evacuated residents.

The municipality informed residents via an app that they should "pack only the essentials if possible and evacuate their homes immediately".

"Danger of a rockfall is very high"

The road is still officially closed. However, the authorities will ensure that people can drive their cars to relatives or friends in or outside the Lötschental.

The danger of a rockfall is very high, Ebener continued. That is why the evacuation has been extended. Something keeps breaking off and there is an "imminent" threat of a rock ledge breaking off below the Bietschhorn.

Ebener tells SRF: "The situation is very acute. It is clear to everyone that the rockfall is imminent." According to the head of information, geologists expect the rock to slide in the next few hours or tomorrow Tuesday at the latest. It is likely to be around two million cubic meters that will come down. "In the worst case, it could be five million cubic meters," Alban Brigger, engineer for natural hazards in Upper Valais, is quoted as saying by SRF.

The management team has set up a media center in the neighbouring municipality of Ferden, Ebener added. It was initially unclear whether there would be a media conference on Monday.

Part of the municipality of Blatten VS had already been evacuated on Saturday evening. A total of 92 residents and 16 guests had to leave their homes.

Those affected must act quickly

One resident who already had to leave her home on Saturday told "Pomona.ch":"We were asked to attend the information event in the gym." She wanted to put her two boys to bed first. The representatives of the local council said at the front door that she had better not do that. "It was clear to me then that it was an evacuation."

In an hour and a half, the resident packed the essentials. It wasn't easy: "We don't know whether we'll be able to go home again in two days or two weeks." But the resident is not the only one.

As the municipality announced on Sunday evening, there have been an increasing number of requests from residents who want to return to their homes and retrieve their personal belongings. However, the authorities' response is clear - and bitter: entering the evacuated zone remains strictly forbidden for the time being. "Due to the current danger situation, the warning time of two minutes is too short." The municipality also recommends that evacuees have their addresses redirected by the post office.