Massive Avalanche Engulfs Swiss Village of Blatten

Blatten, a village nestled in the Swiss Alps, experienced a devastating event on Wednesday afternoon. A massive avalanche of ice and rocks, triggered by a glacier breaking off, engulfed the village. This area was already under a high-risk alert, with an evacuation order issued earlier in May due to the threat of a million cubic meters of rocks falling from unstable glaciers. "The scale of the destruction is immense," stated a local official. The avalanche left a trail of destruction, burying homes and causing significant damage to infrastructure. While the residents had been evacuated, the event resulted in one missing person. Rescue efforts are underway, and the focus now shifts to assessing the extent of the damage and supporting the displaced residents. Despite the tragedy, the swift evacuation likely saved many lives, highlighting the importance of early warnings and preparedness in high-risk areas.