What happened to the village of Blatten, Switzerland?

In May 2025, a massive landslide destroyed over 90% of the homes and buildings in the Swiss village of Blatten, forcing the evacuation of all 300 residents.

How are the people of Blatten responding to the disaster?

Despite the devastation, the residents of Blatten have chosen to rebuild their village rather than abandon it. Led by local hotelier Lukas Kalbermatten, they have set up a temporary hotel to accommodate displaced residents and are working to restore the community.

When will the people of Blatten be able to return to their village?

Authorities estimate it will take several years of clearing and construction work before the villagers can return to Blatten, but the residents remain committed to the challenge and are determined to see their community thrive once again.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Resilient Swiss Village Rises from the Rubble After Devastating Landslide

Resilient Swiss Village Rises from the Rubble After Devastating Landslide

30 Oct

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Summary

Landslide destroyed over 90% of homes and buildings in Blatten, Switzerland
Locals choose to rebuild rather than abandon their village
Temporary hotel opened at nearby gondola lift to accommodate displaced residents

Resilient Swiss Village Rises from the Rubble After Devastating Landslide

Five months ago, the Swiss village of Blatten was devastated by a massive landslide that wiped out over 90% of its homes and buildings. On May 28th, 2025, a staggering 9 million cubic meters of ice, stone, and earth came tumbling down from the nearby Kleines Nesthorn peak, burying much of the village in a matter of seconds.

The disaster forced authorities to evacuate all 300 residents and their livestock, and tragically claimed the life of a 64-year-old man. But rather than abandon their bucolic community, the people of Blatten have chosen to rebuild. Led by local hotelier Lukas Kalbermatten, whose own family-owned hotel was destroyed, residents have banded together to revive their village.