Switzerland’s Valais canton faced a tense morning on June 9, 2025, as heavy rainfall unleashed a sudden mudslide in the Val de Bagnes region. Roughly 30 residents in Les Epenays had to leave their homes, while authorities closely monitored shifting slopes and damaged access routes.
What Happened
Persistent storms drenched Valais late last week. The downpour caused a surge of mud, debris, and large stones to tumble down slopes near Les Epenays in Val de Bagnes. The slide wiped out a temporary emergency bridge and triggered the evacuation of dozens of residents. Thankfully, no buildings collapsed, but authorities remained wary.
Who’s Affected
Approximately 30 people—mostly from upper Val de Bagnes—were moved out. The municipality’s deputy secretary-general, Antoine Schaller, noted evacuees would remain displaced “for an indefinite period,” saying “it depends on nature—it makes the laws.” The priority is ensuring people stay clear of the unstable zones on the mountain below Les Epenays.
Why It Matters
Pierre‑Martin Moulin, general secretary of the Val de Bagnes commune, confirmed that the detachment zone is shifting by about two meters a day—a worrying sign that additional debris could come loose. Meanwhile, this event follows last week’s massive glacier collapse in nearby Blatten—where a glacier-triggered landslide destroyed around 90% of the village, buried the Lonza River bed, and displaced some 300 residents.
Climate Change in Play
Swiss glaciologists have pointed to rapid glacier retreat and permafrost thaw—driven by climate change—as a growing force behind such mountain hazards. Switzerland lost 4% of its glacier mass in 2023 alone, following a 6% drop in 2022—the second-largest annual loss on record. As the mountains warm, their structure weakens, increasing the risk of landslides and mudslides.
Response & Safety Measures
Local officials are maintaining a constant watch on slide-prone zones and managing evacuation logistics. Heavy machinery and geotechnical teams are on alert, although immediate remediation is difficult given unstable ground. In Blatten, the Swiss army supports monitoring efforts and stands by with pumps and excavators.
What to Watch Next
- Slope movement – If the slide zone continues advancing at two meters per day, nearby areas could need more evacuations.
- Downstream hazards – Blockages can lead to flood risks, as they did with the Lonza River in Blatten.
- Weather forecasts – Additional rain could worsen erosion and destabilize slopes further.
Final Takeaway
The mudslide in Val de Bagnes—and last week’s glacier collapse in Blatten—are dramatic reminders that Valais is not immune to natural hazards. They underscore how climate-driven changes in the Alps are reshaping landscapes, threatening communities, and challenging Swiss resilience.
Governments are responding with monitoring, evacuations, and support—but with warming trends expected to persist, preparing for more shifting ground and extreme weather is essential. For residents of Valais, vigilance remains key.
