Overview

• The Birch Glacier in Switzerland’s Valais region collapsed on Wednesday, releasing an estimated 10 million tons of mud, ice and rock onto the evacuated village of Blatten.
• The debris formed a two-kilometre natural dam across the Lonza River, creating an artificial lake that threatens flooding in the Lotschental valley.
• Officials have evacuated 16 residents from downstream communities and emptied a protective dam at Ferden to manage rising water levels.
• A 64-year-old man remains missing following the collapse, with search efforts suspended due to unsafe conditions.
• President Karin Keller-Sutter pledged federal aid for displaced villagers and geologists warn that flood risks persist as they monitor water build-up behind the moraine dam.