More Money Promised For Blatten
8th June 2025
Last modified on June 14th, 2025
The Swiss government is offering 5m CHF (£4.5m) to the Alpine village of Blatten that has been destroyed by a huge landslide.
“It is clear to the Federal Council that aid should be provided quickly and unbureaucratically in view of the tragic events following the landslide,” said the government in a statement.
“The funds are to be paid out to the municipality of Blatten for immediate measures that are not covered by insurance or subsidies and need to be implemented quickly.”
The proposal needs be parliamentary approval before the money becomes available.
Approval is likely to be a formality
The village is in the Valais canton and the authorities have already pledged 10m CHF (£9M) in aid.
The evacuated village was hit by a massive landslide on May 29th after part of the Birch glacier collapsed after rockfall from above.
The falling ice then triggered the landslide of mud and rocks as we reported at the time:
View this post on Instagram
We have also reported on the wider implications for other mountain communities as climate change leads to instability in places.
Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Other parts of the Lötschental Valley were evacuated after the Blatten landslide.
Now around 30 people have been allowed back to their homes in nearby Ferden, Kippel and Wiler.
An evacuation notice for the Wiler shopping area has also been lifted.
“The increased risk of massive and uncontrolled lateral erosion along the bed of the Lonza brook no longer exists,” said the Lötschental command staff in a press release.
Arrangements remain in place for any evacuation if the situation changes.
Last week residents of the Blatten hamlets of Eisten and Weissenried were able to return to their homes for an hour.
This weekend tourists and non-residents have been allowed back into the valley.
The whole of the municipality of Blatten, including the hiking trails, remains closed.
View this post on Instagram
PlanetSKI: Number 1 for digital ski news
Your digital platform for ski news, resort information, travel, equipment rental, sport, money saving deals and everything connected with snowsports – web site, social media & more.
