Glacier Collapse in Swiss Village: One Missing After Unprecedented Event

Blatten, Switzerland: Glacier Collapse Leaves One Missing A massive glacier collapse in the Swiss village of Blatten on May 28, 2025, has left one person missing and caused significant damage to the already evacuated village. The event, described by Mayor Matthias Bellwald as "unimaginable," unfolded as a huge mass of rock and ice thundered down the mountain, sending plumes of dust into the sky and burying parts of the village under debris. The 300 residents of Blatten had been evacuated earlier this month due to concerns about accelerating glacier movement and potential rockslides. Raphael Mayoraz, Chief of Natural Hazards Office, stated that "the worst-case scenario has happened." The collapse involved an estimated 3 million cubic meters of rock. While the village is largely destroyed, the successful evacuation prevented any loss of life, aside from the one missing person. The incident highlights the growing threat posed by climate change to Switzerland's mountain communities.