Rapidly developing lake is expected to surpass capacity within hours.
On May 28, the Birch Glacier in Switzerland's Lötschental valley suffered a catastrophic collapse, resulting in the devastation of the nearby village of Blatten and the threat of flooding downstream.
The glacier collapse triggered a landslide, damming the Lonza River, forming a significant lake. This lake poses a dangerous risk of flooding, potentially affecting not only Blatten but also neighboring communities, two of which have already been evacuated due to the overwhelming threat.
Authorities initiated evacuations prior to the collapse, recognizing the increasing instability of the glacier. Their actions proved critical as the aftermath proved far more devastating than anticipated. Hundreds of homes and infrastructures in Blatten were buried, with one resident still missing and presumed buried.
The debris dam continues to grow, creating a hazardous situation. The authorities have expressed concern that the dam could give way, triggering a flood wave that would disrupt areas further downstream. Glacier experts in Ferden have been working around the clock to assess the potential risks, using a combination of experience and computer models.
While a massive flood wave surging through the valley is unlikely, it cannot be ruled out. The high pressure of the inflowing water from the Lonza River and the expected temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius on Friday could contribute to an unpredictable outcome.
The situation on the mountain remains precarious, with the Kleine Nesthorn mountain still harboring hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of debris that could potentially fall. Additionally, debris avalanches on the opposite side of the valley pose a threat due to the unstable, ice-laden debris pile.
Climate change experts have attributed the significant shrinkage and instability of glaciers in the Alps over the past few decades to rising global temperatures. This phenomenon was taken into account by experts investigating the recent disaster. The Swiss Alps saw a 10 percent loss of glacier mass between 2022 and 2023, similar to the losses between 1960 and 1990.
As the world grapples with the consequences of the event, authorities and experts urge communities living near Alpine glaciers to be ever vigilant and prepared for potential hazards. The rapid dissolution of these natural wonders highlights the urgency for adaptation and mitigation strategies in the face of a warming planet.
[1] 'Global warming melts Swiss glaciers – a quarter could be saved if emissions drop', Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, https://www.wsl.ch/en/endinvertebrates/global-warming-melts-swiss-glaciers-a-quarter-could-be-saved-if-emissions-drop/21676
[2] 'Swiss glacier collapse destroys Alpine village', ntv.de, https://www.ntv.de/wissenschaft/Glacier-Kollaps-verschweift-Dorf-Blatten-in-der-Alpen-nekkt-an-ab,100.html
[3] 'Swiss village faces flood risk after glacier collapse', mediaco, https://www.mediaco.ch/en/international/swiss-village-faces-flood-risk-after-glacier-collapse-11085864
The tragedy in Blatten underscores the need for a comprehensive community policy considering the potential environmental hazards brought about by climate change. Authorities should consider implementing environmental science research for health-and-wellness precautions and glacier stability monitoring to mitigate such catastrophes. Moreover, this disaster serves as a stark reminder of the impacts of climate-change on our environment, emphasizing the necessity of urgent action in preserving glacial ecosystems.
