The problems in the Swiss Lötschental have increased since an avalanche destroyed the mountain village of Blatten on Wednesday. The debris from the avalanche is blocking a river, creating a reservoir in the village. Authorities fear a flood in the valley.
The impounded water is currently the biggest danger, according to Swiss authorities. In the worst case, the lake will overflow, resulting in a mudslide.
As a precaution, sixteen residents of two villages downstream have been evacuated. The remaining houses in the affected Blatten are completely flooded.
The Lonza River is blocked by debris tens of meters high and about 2 kilometers long. The authorities have requested pumps, light masts and vehicles to remove the debris. The Swiss army has also been called in to transport this equipment by air.
The three hundred residents of Blatten were evacuated when most of the Birch Glacier came down on Wednesday. A 64-year-old man is still missing. He was in the area at the time of the avalanche.
Swiss Environment Minister Albert Rösti called the collapse of the mountain slope “the worst-case scenario” that was taken into account. He promised the residents of Blatten that they would receive help in rebuilding their town.