Leafing through chaos: natural disaster leaves millions in damage!

Leafing through chaos: natural disaster leaves millions in damage!

On May 30, 2025, a significant landslide caused severe destruction in Blatten in the canton of Valais. Around 400 buildings were damaged or completely destroyed by the natural disaster. The Swiss Insurance Association's estimate is a total loss of around half a billion francs. Amid this tragedy, community support is essential.

The first relief measures have already been initiated. Caritas and the Red Cross have provided emergency aid worth 400,000 francs, while the Swiss Sponsorship for Mountain Communities is providing 1 million francs. Swiss Solidarity has also initiated fundraising campaigns and has access to a natural disaster fund to help those affected. The Federal Council is planning a meeting to provide financial support to the community to enable reconstruction.

Aid and reconstruction

The mayor of Blatten, Matthias Bellwald, is faced with the challenge of using the aid money he has received sensibly. “It is important that we use these funds again for sustainable support,” explains Bellwald. As Roland Squaratti, former mayor of Gondo, reports, the emotional strain in the region is enormous. He remembers the landslide 25 years ago in which 13 people died and half the village was destroyed.

In comparison, Gondo residents were able to return more quickly after a rockslide in October 2000. After heavy rains damaged the protective wall above the village, residents had to be evacuated for a month. Thanks to the support through solidarity campaigns and donations, Gondo was able to be rebuilt, even though only half of the previous 160 residents have returned. The exodus led to the closure of many clubs and schools.

Renewed hope in Gondo

The mayor of Gondo, Daniel Squaratti, is currently reporting that new projects are being planned to make the village more attractive and thus increase the number of residents again. He sees the possibility that the population could rise to over 80 residents by the end of the year. Families with children are moving back into the community, and the return of former residents shows optimism for the future.

In contrast, the situation in Blatten remains tense, as returning to the village is currently not possible due to the dangers. Insurance companies in Valais are in crisis mode because there is no cantonal building insurance for fire and natural hazards. Natural hazard insurance has now been activated and private insurance companies share the damage amount in the natural hazard pool. The challenge of reconstruction in Blatten is therefore influenced by numerous factors, especially given the extent of the estimated damage.

Emotions are running high and the impact on the entire region cannot be underestimated. Reconstruction requires not only financial support, but also a strong sense of community and long-term responsibility, as Squaratti impressively describes.

For more information on the background to the disaster, read the reports Daily Gazette and Nah.