Swiss Glacier Collapse: One Missing After Devastating Landslide

Glacier Collapse in Swiss Alps Triggers Landslide, One Missing A section of a glacier in the Swiss Alps collapsed on May 30th, 2025, causing a devastating landslide that wiped out a significant portion of the village of Blaten. Authorities had proactively evacuated the approximately 300 residents of Blaten in mid-May after geologists identified a high risk of a potential avalanche. Despite the evacuation, one person remains unaccounted for, and a search and rescue operation is currently underway. "Now this worst-case scenario has happened," stated Raphael Mayoraz, Chief of the Natural Hazards Office, in a press briefing. The video footage clearly shows the sheer force of the landslide, a massive torrent of rock and ice rushing down the mountainside. The incident underscores the accelerating effects of climate change on glacial stability in the Alps. Swiss glaciers have been shrinking at an alarming rate, with more ice melting in 2022 and 2023 than in the previous 30 years. While the evacuation minimized casualties, the event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with glacial melt and the importance of proactive risk assessment. The ongoing search and rescue operation continues, offering a glimmer of hope for the missing individual. The community is rallying together, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.