GENEVA (AP) — On Friday, Switzerland's President Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the situation surrounding the village of Blatten, which has been devastated by a landslide occurring after a glacier collapse. During her visit, she emphasized that the evacuees from the village were “not alone,” assuring them that the Swiss government is exploring ways to provide support as they begin to assess the extent of the damage inflicted.
Keller-Sutter's remarks followed her helicopter tour over the affected area, where she witnessed the destruction that transpired on Wednesday. An estimated 10 million tons of mud, ice, and rock cascaded down from the Birch glacier, resulting in substantial loss of property. “The force with which the mountain here wiped out an entire village is indescribable,” she stated, conveying her empathy for the residents of Blatten. She added that not only the entire nation of Switzerland, but also people outside the country, stand in solidarity with those impacted.
The authorities have imposed restrictions on access to Blatten, alerting residents and responders to the ongoing dangers present. The Lonza River, which has been obstructed by debris creating massive piles tens of meters high over a 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) span of valley, has caused water to accumulate into a lake. The potential trajectory of these waters remains uncertain, leading Keller-Sutter to assert, “Unfortunately, the danger has not yet been averted.”
Authorities in Switzerland may not have been able to prevent the natural disaster from occurring; however, Keller-Sutter assured that the country is equipped with the “expertise and financial resources” necessary to address such crises. Prior to the landslide, Blatten had already undergone evacuations approximately ten days earlier due to warnings about the glacier's instability. Nonetheless, a 64-year-old man remains unaccounted for, prompting a halt to the search operations.
Stephane Ganzer, a local elected official responsible for security in Valais, noted that as of now, no evacuations are planned for downstream villages which could be at risk of flooding should the trapped water from the Lonza River break through the accumulation of mud. Ganzer emphasized the commitment to safety during these precarious times, stating, “We don’t want anybody else to go missing. We will put no person in danger on the ground: No police officer, no soldier, no specialist, no member of civil security or fire squads.” He underscored the uncontrollable nature of such disasters, referring to nature as “the only chief” directing the course of events.
The situation in Blatten serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the importance of preparedness and community support in the aftermath of natural disasters. As the government prepares to assist the affected individuals, the solidarity expressed by President Keller-Sutter provides hope to those mourning the loss of their homes.
