Emergency aid after avalanche disaster in Blatten, VS

Following the avalanche in Blatten, the Canton of Zug and the Zug churches have initially pledged CHF 350,000 of support. In addition to the cantonal government (Regierungsrat) and a Zug parish church, private individuals are also becoming involved in the relief effort. Anyone who wishes to do so can continue to donate.

Around 300 people were evacuated from the southern part of the municipality of Blatten by 19^th May and, nine days later, the worst-case scenario occurred: a massive avalanche of ice, mud and debris buried most of the village of Blatten and the hamlet of Ried. The water from the Lonza river was blocked at the debris cone, forming a lake and destroying the remaining houses.

According to a report in the Handelszeitung newspaper, the Swiss Insurance Association (SVV) estimated at the end of May that the landslide in Blatten in the Lötschental valley could have caused damage amounting to several hundred million Swiss francs.

Hundreds of Blatten residents have lost their livelihoods                  Photo: Luzernerzeitung
Map showing the Blatten area                    Image: Streetmap
Link for donations via "Glückskette            Image: Glückskette
 

Contribution likely to increase
In addition to Swiss Solidarity, the Swiss Red Cross, Caritas and several cantons – including Zurich and Lucerne – the canton of Zug is now also contributing CHF 250,000 to support the population affected by the landslide in the Lötschental valley, according to a press release from the canton. This amount is likely to increase in the future. The press release states: ‘As the full extent of the damage is not yet clear at this stage, the canton of Zug intends to provide additional support to the municipality of Blatten in the form of a project contribution.’

Similarly, the voters of the Catholic parish of Cham-Hünenberg have decided to donate a total of CHF 100,000 to the municipality of Blatten, which was severely affected by the landslide, according to another press release.

Only monetary donations
The dramatic natural disaster has not left the civilian population of Zug unmoved either. As our newspaper reported, the ‘Zuger helfen Zugern’ network had already collected donations totalling CHF 6,000 for Blatten by 4^th June – as well as filling two entire garages with donations in kind. According to Emina Ramadani from Steinhausen, who is part of the same network, donations in kind can no longer be accepted.

Anyone who still wants to help is welcome to donate money, however. The money will be transferred in full to the affected families in Blatten. To do so, it is essential to note ‘Blatten’ on the transfer.
Donation account: CH66 0078 7785 5016 0267 6, Twint: 076 412 07 41.