Glacier Collapse Triggers Devastating Avalanche in Swiss Village

Blatten, Switzerland, was struck by a devastating natural disaster on Wednesday, May 29, 2025. A massive avalanche, triggered by the collapse of a glacier, buried and destroyed the small village. The avalanche consisted of an estimated three million cubic meters of rock, ice, and mud. Raphaël Mayoraz, the cantonal official responsible for natural risk management, described the event as "very exceptional." "Three million cubic meters of rocks fell in one go onto the glacier, dragging everything along in the valley," Mayoraz stated. The scale of the disaster is immense, highlighting the unpredictable nature of glacial activity and the potential risks to communities located near glaciers. While the full extent of the damage and casualties is still being assessed, the images of the avalanche serve as a stark reminder of nature's power. The international community is extending support to Switzerland as rescue and recovery efforts are underway.