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Glacier collapse in Lötschental: Blatten threatened by tidal wave!
After a glacier collapses in Lötschental, Switzerland, there is a threat of a tidal wave. Civil protection strives to ensure the safety of the population.
Glacier collapse in Lötschental: Blatten threatened by tidal wave!
A dramatic accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Lötschental, Switzerland. A massive glacier collapse caused around three million cubic meters of rock and ice to fall into the valley and damage houses in Blatten. Fortunately, the village had been evacuated beforehand, saving many residents. However, a 64-year-old man is missing after the search had to be interrupted in adverse conditions. The situation remains tense as there is a risk of further rockfalls.
Swiss disaster authorities report that the debris blocked the Lonza riverbed, resulting in the formation of a lake. The lake's water level is continually rising and could overflow in the early hours of Friday morning. The level rises by around 80 centimeters per hour. Residents in the region complain about massive destruction and losses caused by the natural disaster. Drone images show that large parts of leaves are buried under rubble.
Current developments and dangers
Authorities are working with computer models to better predict the situation. They are examining various scenarios for safely draining the lake and trying to protect the population from possible tidal waves and debris avalanches. According to Christian Studer from the Natural Hazards Department, it is crucial to anticipate the lake emptying process in order to avoid further dangers.
What is particularly worrying is the forecast that most of the buildings in the village of Blatten are already in water. On Thursday, more houses in the danger zones were evacuated to ensure the safety of the population. Experts estimate that the water in the lake will drain gradually, but sudden outflows are also possible. The dam in Ferden is intended to help retain material and stabilize the dangerous situation.
The situation in Lötschental remains tense and everything is being done to find missing people and ensure the safety of local residents. The next few hours will be crucial to fully understand the extent of the horror after the glacier collapse and to take the necessary measures. The authorities are on alert and are in constant communication with experts to respond to the dynamic situation.