Swiss Landslide Buries 90% of Alpine Village; One Person Missing

A massive landslide triggered by the partial collapse of a glacier has buried nearly 90% of the Swiss Alpine village of Blatten, authorities reported on Wednesday. The disaster struck the mountain community located in the canton of Valais, following days of geological instability and warnings.

Local officials confirmed that the village had been evacuated nine days prior due to fears of an imminent landslide. The preemptive evacuation is believed to have saved lives, though one person remains unaccounted for and is presumed to have been in the area when the earth gave way.

The landslide, composed of mud, rocks, and ice, swept down the mountainside, crushing homes and infrastructure. Rescue teams have been deployed to search the affected zone, but their efforts have been hampered by dangerous terrain and unstable conditions.

Geologists noted that the recent warming trend and melting permafrost contributed to the glacier’s instability. Switzerland, home to some of Europe’s most iconic glaciers, has faced increasing threats from climate change, with numerous alpine villages considered at risk.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as emergency operations continue. A full damage assessment is underway, and specialists are monitoring other potentially unstable slopes nearby.