Swollen lake in Lötsch valley causes concern
UPDATE: Dwindling Reservoir Eases Flooding Concerns in Lötschental
In the aftermath of the glacier collapse in Lötschental, Valais, Switzerland, residents are both relieved and apprehensive as the threat level fluctuates. A retained lake formed behind the debris dam along the Lonza River has been gradually decreasing in size.
At a press conference in Ferden, geologist Raphael Mayoraz reported a reduction of one meter in the lake's height. The water volume has diminished from an initial estimate of 1 million cubic meters to approximately 800,000 cubic meters, due to continuous drainage over the debris cone. This progress, according to Mayoraz, decreases the risk of the unstable debris becoming liquefied and the ensuing danger of a torrent of debris flowing into the valley.
Floating barriers have been put in place to prevent debris from blocking the outflow. Authorities remain vigilant as weather forecasts predict several days of rain and melting ice on surrounding mountains, which could potentially destabilize the debris cone and increase the risk of a debris flow. Should such an event occur, communities further down the valley could be imperiled.
The situation becomes more complex due to the instability of the Kleine Nesthorn, the mountain whose collapse triggered the catastrophe. The majority of the debris that ended up in the valley is believed to be ice, with unclear implications for its potential melting and the formation of cavities within the debris cone.
Moreover, residual material at the collapse sites could result in additional rockfalls, potentially triggering further debris flows. The terrain's steepness adds an extra layer of concern, as it exacerbates the risk of such events.
The power plant in Ferden, situated approximately six kilometers downstream from the disaster area, is actively preparing for potential large-scale water or debris flows: the operator has partially emptied the reservoir to make room, and experts believe the dam wall will withstand increased pressure.
In the meantime, residents of downstream villages Gampel and Steg, where the Lonza flows into the Rhone, are managing evacuation plans. These villages are protected by narrow concrete canals that could rapidly overflow if flooded. Residents have already gathered their essentials, ready to leave at short notice.
The Lonza's polluted waters, filled with sand and debris from the debris cone, are wreaking havoc on infrastructure in Gampel. Excavators are working on deepening drainage channels as the waters make their way through the valley.
Blatten, a village first mentioned in the 15th century, has been almost completely buried under a meter-high layer of debris. The church tower and most of the few surviving homes have been submerged in the stagnant waters of the Lonza. A single local resident remains unaccounted for.
Residents of Blatten find solace in their ongoing discussions with psychologists, amassed hopes for a new Blatten, and the concerted efforts of Mayor Bellwald to present reconstruction plans with solid timeframes.
Source: ntv.de, Christiane Oelrich, dpa
- Switzerland
- Glaciers
- Natural Disasters
- The Commission has also been consulted on the environmental-science implications of the glacier collapse in Lötschental, Switzerland, including potential climate-change impacts and weather-forecasting adjustments due to the altered landscape.
- As the focus shifts towards rebuilding the affected villages, discussions surrounding the importance of revitalizing environmental-science disciplines, such as science and weather-forecasting, have emerged as crucial considerations in restoring the Lötschental area.
- Acknowledging the significance of sports-betting activities in Switzerland, authorities have also sought the Council's expertise on potential long-term impacts on local sports-betting industries, given the increased risk of natural disasters in mountainous regions.
- As residents work to rebuild their lives in the post-disaster landscape, a growing interest in recreational sports and outdoor activities may provide an opportunity to promote positive mental-health outcomes, serving as a healing balm for the traumatized community.
