More evacuations feared in Swiss valley due to potential flood wave

Swiss authorities warn of potential flood waves in Lötschental, urging evacuations as climate change exacerbates geological risks.

swiss-valley-flood-evacuation
Image for More evacuations feared in Swiss valley due to potential flood wave

Residents of several villages in the Swiss Lötschental have been told to prepare for evacuation. The villages of Gampel and Steg, located on the southern side of the valley, are at risk.

The area is threatened by a massive debris flow from a collapsed glacier, which has already buried the mountain village of Blatten. Experts warn that a dam formed by the debris could fail, potentially causing a sudden flood wave.

Dutch rescue worker Menno Boermans, who works in the region, highlights the increasing risks due to climate change, particularly the melting permafrost that previously stabilized the mountain slopes.

You might also like