After the destruction of the Swiss village of Blatten by an avalanche, residents of other villages have also been called upon to prepare for evacuation. The avalanche, caused by a broken glacier, is now causing a risk of flooding in surrounding areas.
The villages of Steg-Hohtenn and Gampel-Bratsch may also be affected by the avalanche, according to Swiss medium Der Bund. Authorities say the danger is so great that the more than three thousand residents have been asked to gather their belongings so they can leave their homes as quickly as possible.
Anyone who cannot find shelter or needs help with an evacuation can report to special emergency gathering points in the area.
On Wednesday, a piece of a mountain top broke off, creating a huge avalanche of ice, mud, and snow. The village of Blatten was almost completely buried. Most of the houses have been destroyed. The three hundred residents of the village were evacuated earlier this month due to the avalanche danger, but a 64-year-old man is still missing.
According to local authorities, “an unimaginable amount of material has plunged into the valley with a thundering roar.” The chance that the avalanche will continue its path through the valley is significant.
Flood danger due to avalanche debris
But in addition to the avalanche danger, the Lötschental area is struggling with a second problem. The debris from the avalanche has blocked the Lonza River.
The blockage has created a reservoir. Authorities fear that all that water could be released at once if the tens of meters of debris come loose. That could cause flooding in the rest of the valley. Nothing has changed in the night from Thursday to Friday, writes Der Bund. But that does not mean the danger has passed.
The authorities have requested pumps, light masts and vehicles with which they can clear the debris. The Swiss army has been called in to supply this equipment by air.