Terrifying moment glacial landslide flattens Swiss village

A search operation is underway

The incident happened yesterday in the small mountainous village of Blatten in the Lötschental region of the Canton of Valais in Switzerland.

The large Birch glacier gave way on Wednesday afternoon causing a landslide of ice, mud, rocks and other materials, leading to the almost total destruction of the village below.

Despite the early warnings leading to most of the village being evacuated, one resident of the region in their sixties has been stated missing, as reported by Swiss broadcaster RTS.

A search is underway.

The sheer mass of rubble fallen from the mountain has blocked the river Lonza leading to a lake forming behind the debris.

Out of concern that this lake could burst through the rubble and cause a small tsunami like flood down the valley, the villages of Wiler and Kippel have also been evacuated.

The village of Blatten was evacuated over a week ago on 19 May after the melting and unstable nature of the glacier was brought to the attention of authorities.

However, many families note that they have lost almost everything with the destruction that followed since they had little time to arrange their affairs before being evacuated.

The village has also been a somewhat popular holiday destination for Swiss families escaping the busier, flatter areas.

The Swiss government has declared the incident as notable and the army has been called in for aid.