Climate change unleashs natural disaster: blats under rubble and ice!

Climate change unleashs natural disaster: blats under rubble and ice!

On Wednesday afternoon, May 31, 2025, the tranquil village of Blatten in the Lötschental, canton of Valais, was shaken by a dramatic natural event. A dropping of glaciers led to a degenerate from ice, mud and rubble, which spilled parts of the place. This reports

instability through climate change

The rock wall above the birch glacier, which is 500 meters high and is located in the permafrost zone, played a crucial role in the cancellation of the glacier. According to News.at Rock. Since 2022, the warming of the constantly frozen floors has intensified, which has reinforced the susceptibility of the area over sheets.

Another alarming aspect: The boulders appeared loaded the glacier, which enormously accelerated its river on the steep slope. The birch glacier was already known as quickly flowing, and the pressure of the rock load ultimately led to his demolition. A total of three million cubic meters of rock crashed onto the glacier and then onto the village.

What is the case for us?

climate change and its consequences not only affect blatings, they are also a general phenomenon in the Alpine region. A comprehensive study by the WSL research program captures an increase in natural hazards such as stone strikes and climatic crims. A wide variety of studies show that there are fewer rainfall in the form of snow, but there are more heavy ranges during the summer months.

Many high mountain regions are faced with the calculated risks through climate change. Over 300 scientific work from the past 30 years prove an intensive connection between the thawing of the permafrost, glacier decline and an increase in natural hazards in the Alpine region, underlining The German climate portal .

The number of mountains, mature lengths and stone strokes in the Alps could increase, which itself has serious considerations for the population living there and for nature. "Change presents society in the Alpine region with great challenges," said the students. The pressure caused by global warming makes it clear: there is a need for action here.

The events in Blatten are not an isolated case, but part of an accelerating process that strongly influences the Alpine region and its inhabitants. Nature makes it clear to us that climate change cannot be ignored.