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Valais village evacuated on rockfall fears

Tuesday, 20 May 2025 06:30

Another village has been evacuated on fears that tonnes of rock could fall.

Similar to the experience of the residents in Brienz in canton Graubunden, this time it's Blatten in Valais. 

Around 300 people, and farm animals, were given just over an hour to leave their homes.

Authorities believe up to 5 million cubic meters of rock could crash down from the Kleiner Nesthorn - at any time. 

Engineers say the mountain is moving with exponential acceleration - already 50,000 cubic meters of rock has come down. 

There’s also the added danger with the nearby glacier. If the rock falls into that, it could trigger a massive torrent which would cause enormous damage - say the experts. 

 

 

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