Glacier Avalanche Engulfs Swiss Village: Evacuation Prevents Casualties

Blatten, Switzerland, was hit by a devastating glacier avalanche on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. The avalanche, captured on video by Reuters and shared by Folha de S.Paulo, engulfed about 90% of the village, which had been evacuated earlier in the month due to concerns about the unstable Birch glacier. "It was a terrifying sight," said one local resident who witnessed the event from a safe distance. "The entire mountainside seemed to collapse." The incident has raised further concerns about the effects of climate change on glacial stability. While the village was evacuated, the event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with glacial melt and highlights the importance of early warning systems and proactive evacuation strategies. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the event caused significant damage to the village.