Swiss glacier collapse

Climate change believed to have contributed to the slide

Scientists suspect that yesterday's glacier collapse in Switzerland is a dramatic example of the impact of climate change on the Alps, writes Reuters.

The incident has raised concerns about the impact of global warming on the permafrost, which has long held gravel and rock in place. The Birch glacier had been moving down the valley several meters per day before it finally collapsed completely, burying the village of Blatten.

- Unexpected things that we have not seen in hundreds of years are happening, probably due to climate change, says Matthias Huss, head of the Glamos glacier research center.

After the glacier collapse - now there is a threat of flooding

Large parts of the Swiss alpine village of Blatten were buried by the collapsed glacier. Now authorities are warning that the village and parts of the valley are at risk of flooding, reports AFP.

The huge masses of ice, soil and debris have blocked a nearby river. A lake has already formed at the site of the landslide, destroying the rest of the village, according to the rescue service.

The risk of extensive flooding has led to the evacuation of two other smaller communities.

The large landslide was expected, and the 300 residents of Blatten were evacuated more than a week ago. However, a man in his 60s is missing and is believed to have remained in the affected area.

Shock in the alpine village in Switzerland: “I have lost everything”

Shock and grief prevail among the residents of the Swiss alpine village of Blatten. They are trying to take in the extent of the enormous destruction caused by yesterday's glacier collapse, writes Reuters.

– I don't want to talk now. I lost everything yesterday. I hope you understand, a woman sitting alone next to the neighboring village church told the news agency.

Huge amounts of ice, mud and rock fell into the valley when the Birch Glacier collapsed, burying more than 90 percent of Blatten. The 300 residents had been evacuated a week earlier, but a man in his 60s is still missing.