Natural disaster in Lötschental: evacuation due to impending tidal wave!

Natural disaster in Lötschental: evacuation due to impending tidal wave!

Switzerland is currently on high alert after a violent glacier collapse in the Lötschental led to massive natural hazards. The Lonza River, which flows through the valley, has become dangerously backed up and authorities are warning of a possible tidal wave or avalanche of debris. In the affected communities of Steg-Hohtenn and Gampel-Bratsch, the authorities are preparing for possible evacuations. In total, more than 2,000 people are affected, especially in the valley-bottom districts of the communities of Gampel and Steg.

The situation has also become more critical after meter-high piles of rubble, which arose after the glacier collapsed, are blocking the flow of water. According to ZVW, there is a serious risk that the Lonza's water level will spill over the debris cone, which could have devastating consequences. The nearby village of Blatten is almost completely buried under rubble and most of its houses have disappeared into the reservoir, which made it necessary to evacuate and evacuate around 300 residents in a timely manner.

Current evacuations and safety measures

The authorities have already taken preventative measures by emptying the reservoir near Ferden to serve as a catch basin. 16 people from the communities of Wiler, Kippel and Fafleralp were brought to safety as a precaution. In recent days, the Lonza's water level has increased an alarming 80 cm per hour, which is why those responsible are making every effort to minimize possible disaster scenarios. They hope the water will recede more slowly and reduce the risk of uncontrolled flooding.

The situation is tense. “Our geological team has indicated that the terrain is extremely unstable,” said a spokesman for the authorities. The debris deposits, which are up to 50 meters thick and 2 kilometers long, pose a serious threat. The expertise of geologists like Jens Turowski is needed to further assess the risks, especially the possibility of a dam collapse that could lead to tidal waves or debris avalanches, experts warn, as the Tagesschau reports.

Rescue work and missing persons cases

Particularly tragic: a 64-year-old man who was in the danger zone is missing. Despite intensive searches with thermal imaging cameras, the rescue has so far been unsuccessful. The uncertain weather conditions make the situation even more difficult. The mayor of Blatten remains optimistic about the reconstruction, but there is currently no all-clear because the damming of the Lonza River continues.

The glacier collapse is one of the worst natural disasters to hit the region in recent decades. Swiss glaciers lost almost 10% of their volume between 2022 and 2023, which is considered an alarming trend that is described in detail by Tagesspiegel.

Communities are facing a difficult time as authorities do everything they can to ensure the safety of the population and be prepared if the situation worsens.