Bratten, Switzerland: Landslide Devastation in May 2025
Alexandre Agrusti/AFP via Getty Images
In May 2025, the picturesque village of Bratten in the Swiss Alps was tragically destroyed by a massive glacier collapse. Thanks to meticulous monitoring, nearly all residents were safely evacuated.
The initial warning signs emerged on May 14, when the Swiss avalanche warning service reported a minor rockfall in the area. Trained observers, who typically have other full-time roles, were on alert for signs of potential danger.
Detailed investigations followed, utilizing images from cameras installed on the glacier after a previous avalanche in the 1990s. “The angles provided crucial insights into shifts in the mountain,” explained Mylène Jacquemart from ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
On May 18 and 19, 300 residents were evacuated, but one individual, a 64-year-old man, resisted leaving his home.
On May 28, the situation escalated as the glacier suffered a catastrophic collapse. “This was an enormous rock avalanche,” Jacquemart stated.
The glacier had accumulated debris from previous years, and when a rockfall occurred, it triggered the collapse of 3 million cubic meters of ice, along with 6 million cubic meters of rock, ravaging a significant portion of the village. Regrettably, the man who opted to remain was killed.
Contrary to some media reports suggesting advanced surveillance technology monitored the glacier, Jacquemart clarified, “The observer’s office didn’t have an elaborate alarm system; a simple red light indicated a problem.”
However, Jacquemart emphasized that Switzerland’s monitoring system ensures effective communication and distinct accountability regarding evacuation decisions.
Satellite Image of the Landslide Area on May 30
European Union, Copernicus Sentinel 2 imagery
What contributed to this disaster? The likelihood of rockfalls exacerbated by climate change is a pressing concern. As global warming causes Alpine glaciers to retreat, the incidence of rockfalls is on the rise. Switzerland’s average temperature has increased by nearly 3 degrees since the pre-industrial era, resulting in melting permafrost that allows water to infiltrate cracks in the rocks.
“There’s a clear connection between climate change and the increase in rockfalls,” Jacquemart remarks. “Dramatic transformations are occurring in high-altitude regions, and the consequences are alarming.”
Yet, Jacquemart advises against attributing the Bratten tragedy solely to recent warming phenomena. The slow geological adjustment to post-Ice Age conditions could also be a factor, she notes.
The immediate future remains unclear for Bratten’s residents. Local authorities declared that the village cannot be reconstructed on unstable ground. Plans are underway for rebuilding, but the area remains susceptible to further landslides, and establishing protective measures demands significant financial resources.
“Communities in mountainous regions worldwide, from the Alps to the Andes and the Himalayas, face increasing threats from the intensity and frequency of mountain-related disasters,” stated Kamal Kishore, United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, in a recent statement. “Their livelihoods, cultural heritage, and way of life are under severe threat.”
Topics:
This revised content maintains the original HTML structure while optimizing for SEO through targeted keywords and clearer descriptions. If you have any specific keywords or phrases you’d like included, please let me know!
Las Vegas – This year’s Burning Man festival attendees have not had much cooperation from Mother Nature.
Amid fierce sandstorms, high temperatures, and humidity over the weekend, there’s a looming threat of rain and potential flooding in the coming days, marking a chaotic start to the annual event in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.
A powerful sandstorm with winds reaching 50 mph swept through Black Rock City on Saturday, creating disorder at campsites and causing significant travel delays in the area. The National Weather Service issued a Dust Storm Advisory, citing a “blowing dust wall” heading north that evening.
According to a Burning Man spokesperson, NBC News reported four minor injuries related to the wind and dust.
The storm caused traffic disruptions due to strong winds and reduced visibility, leading to the closure of Black Rock City gates. For those already inside, swirling dust overturned many campsites and scattered personal belongings.
“If you’re in Black Rock City, secure your camp and refrain from driving,” warned the official Burning Man account monitoring conditions both inside and outside Black Rock City. This was shared on x on Saturday.
Participants described the winds as relentless for over an hour, remarking, “The desert is always trying to kill you.” They expressed that it was “arguably the most frightening experience” at Burning Man. This sentiment was shared on Facebook.
Around 70,000 individuals are expected to attend the festival, which continues until September 1st.
On the festival’s first day, northern Nevada experienced humidity levels nearing 100°F, with about 57% humidity. Another dust advisory was issued that evening by the National Weather Service, predicting 50 mph winds and visibility under a mile across parts of central Nevada.
There were also possibilities of rain and thunderstorms that temporarily halted vehicle traffic by locking the gates in Black Rock City.
“The current travel time for vehicles on Gate Road is estimated at seven hours when the gates reopen,” noted a festival official. This was updated on x Sunday night.
Cleanup efforts are in progress, but the volatile weather conditions persist.
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Monday and beyond. The dusty lake beds are prone to flooding, and excessive rainfall could transform the playa into muddy terrain.
In 2023, torrential rains trapped thousands of Burning Man participants in thick mud. Attendees were advised to “evacuate to shelter,” leading to a report of one fatality by the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office.
Physicists observe that students often exhibit a “digging expression” when first introduced to quantum superposition, as noted by Marcelo Gleiser. Having taught quantum mechanics for several decades, he notes the consistent surprise among students as they grapple with the complexities of atomic and particle behavior.
This article is part of our special concept series, exploring how experts perceive some of the most astonishing ideas in science. Click here for additional details.
The term “clear” often adds confusion in this field. Since the inception of superposition, its true implications have been debated for centuries. What is universally acknowledged is that this concept challenges our understanding of what constitutes “reality.”
A foundational aspect to grasp is the Schrödinger equation. Formulated by Erwin Schrödinger in the 1920s, it serves as a cornerstone of quantum theory, outlining the probabilities of finding particles in specific states upon measurement. Notably, quantum mechanics focuses on predicting potential outcomes rather than clarifying the exact activities of particles pre-measurement.
The Schrödinger equation articulates all conceivable positions a particle may occupy before measurement, utilizing mathematical constructs known as wave functions. This establishes one mathematical interpretation of superposition, defined as the combination of various potential quantum states.
It is well-established that particles can indeed exist in superposition. For instance, in a double-slit experiment, a solitary photon (a light particle) is directed toward a barrier with two narrow openings. When a detector is active, the photon seems to “choose” one slit and strikes a specific point on the screen. In contrast, without the detector, an “interference pattern” is observed, indicating that the particles act like waves, traversing through both slits simultaneously and interacting with themselves.
However, the true significance of being “in a superposition” remains elusive. Generally, two perspectives exist. Some view wave functions merely as mathematical constructs rather than reflections of reality—this aligns with Gleiser’s stance at Dartmouth University, New Hampshire. He asserts, “In quantum mechanics, we argue that wave functions must constitute a part of physical reality,” asserting that equating mathematical constructs with truth has become almost cult-like.
Gleiser endorses an interpretation known as quantum Bayesianism (or QBism), which posits that the theory addresses our understanding rather than reality itself. Consequently, during quantum state measurements, what shifts is merely our information about reality, not reality itself.
Conversely, some scholars, like Simon Saunders, a philosopher from Oxford University, argue against this view, asserting that wave functions represent an authentic state of existence. He suggests that particles in superposition physically occupy multiple locations simultaneously. “It’s an extended object,” he clarifies. “It’s delocalized.” Within this framework, our experience of particle reality may deviate from actual reality. For example, electrons orbiting atoms appear as a cloud of probability until measured.
Critics of this interpretation often question the fate of alternate possibilities once measurement constrains a particle to a single location. Saunders concedes to the radical notion that this may suggest the existence of a branching infinite multiverse.
Ultimately, a resolution to this question isn’t imminent. Meanwhile, researchers have successfully extended superposition beyond individual particles to larger molecules and even 16-microgram crystals. This suggests that reality is much stranger than it appears.
Explore more articles in this series by using the links below:
The Atlantic hurricane season has yet to commence, but forecasters are already raising concerns. Indeed, the 2025 season, which officially spans from June 1st to November 30th, is anticipated to be remarkably busy.
As per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the likelihood of below-average activity stands at 60%. They foresee up to 19 named storms, with as many as 10 hurricanes and between 3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
Meanwhile, private forecasting firm Accuweather has a similar outlook, but adds another concerning prediction: up to six storms could directly impact the U.S. coastline.
This news comes on the heels of the destruction wrought by Hurricanes Helen and Milton in 2024. “Overall, it looks like it will be an even busier year,” said Alex Dasilva, Accuweather’s lead hurricane expert, to BBC Science Focus.
So, what gives scientists such confidence? While accurately predicting the timing and location of a storm remains elusive, there is increasing clarity regarding the broader factors that influence each season. This year, numerous climate indicators are aligning unfavorably.
The Atlantic is Storing Energy – A Lot of It
Hurricanes derive their power from warm ocean waters, and this year, the Atlantic is exceptionally heated.
“Sea surface temperatures are again significantly above average,” explains Dasilva. While 2025 may not match the record warmth of 2023 and 2024, conditions across most of the Atlantic Basin remain notably high.
However, it’s not just about surface temperatures; the ocean’s heat content plays a crucial role in driving the most formidable storms. This metric reflects how deeply the warm water extends beneath the surface.
“It’s truly impressive,” notes Dasilva. “When you’re at the surface, the water feels pleasantly warm. Now, imagine it extending hundreds of meters below in a region like the Western Caribbean, where mid-season temperatures can reach 80°F [27°C].”
The depth matters. Hot water serves as high-octane fuel for hurricanes; the deeper it extends, the more energy available for storms. This explains the “rapid strengthening” observed in many recent hurricanes, which can intensify dramatically within just a few hours.
“When you observe a storm rapidly intensifying, it’s something that explodes—because it encounters the highest oceanic heat, particularly off the Gulf Coast, Western Caribbean, or the southeast coast,” Dasilva adds.
Scientists now recognize that climate-driven ocean heat is on the rise yearly. As our planet warms, much of the additional heat gets absorbed into the ocean, creating a reservoir of deep energy for storms to utilize.
This doesn’t automatically mean more hurricanes overall, but those that do form are more likely to rapidly gain strength and achieve greater intensity.
Read more:
Changing Pacific Patterns Could Elevate Season End
The Pacific will serve as the puppeteer while the Atlantic supplies the fuel.
Key players include El Niño and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO)—the natural cycle of warming and cooling in the tropical Pacific Ocean. This cycle has a substantial influence on hurricane activity in the Atlantic.
A comprehensive book could be written about ENSO, so let’s summarize it briefly. During El Niño, warm waters from the tropical Pacific migrate eastward toward the Americas. During La Niña, the reverse holds true, with warm waters moving westward toward Asia and cooler waters prevailing near the Americas.
These shifts not only affect the Pacific but also change wind patterns worldwide, including in the Atlantic, either facilitating or hindering hurricane development.
At present, the Pacific is in the ENSO neutral phase, indicating that the warm waters are balanced. However, this isn’t necessarily good news.
“Research indicates that La Niña typically produces more storms, but neutral years are nearly as active,” says Dasilva. “The only time we’ve seen a significant reduction in storms is during El Niño.”
Why is this the case? During El Niño, robust upper winds from the Pacific often inhibit storms as they form in the Atlantic. Conversely, during neutral or La Niña years, these winds lessen, enabling hurricanes to form and strengthen more easily.
Moreover, a return of La Niña conditions later this year could set the stage for a busier end to the season.
“There’s a possibility for La Niña to resurge later in the season,” Dasilva notes. “If that happens, the latter part of the season could see heightened activity, so it’s important to keep a close eye on developments.”
With recent seasons demonstrating a trend towards more frequent storms, this increased warmth and favorable atmospheric conditions are notable.
Storm Trajectories Depend on Who’s at the Helm
While ocean temperature and ENSO conditions are crucial players, they aren’t the only factors at play.
Features such as the Bermuda-Azores high-pressure system—dominant over the Central Atlantic—greatly influence the final destination of storms once they form.
“This high-pressure zone in the Atlantic deflects storms around it,” Dasilva explains. “Most storms ultimately curve away towards the ocean and head toward Europe, but if this high pressure is particularly strong, it can stretch and push storms westward.”
However, the Bermuda-Azores system is dynamic and can shift throughout the season, making it challenging to accurately predict storm trajectories beyond a few days. “These dynamics can change rapidly, often hinging on timing,” Dasilva adds.
This season is also impacted by waters off West Africa.
Many of the most powerful Atlantic storms initiate as clusters of disturbed thunderstorms sweeping off the coasts of Africa as summer ends. In fact, around 85% of major hurricanes originate here.
However, this system is sensitive. Last year, unanticipated cooling off the West African coasts near the equator disrupted the jet stream, impeding the northward movement of storms and curtailing their development.
“Many believed the Atlantic was broken,” Dasilva said. The culprit was a pattern known as the Atlantic Niño, an obscure climate cycle that paradoxically has an opposing effect on hurricane activity compared to its namesake in the Pacific.
Dasilva anticipates a similar mid-summer slowdown again this year, but this doesn’t signify the season’s end.
The aftermath of a catastrophic flood caused by Hurricane Helen in North Carolina on September 28, 2024.
Inland Impacts
Another trend affecting the Atlantic hurricane season is the increasing influence of storms further inland.
A study published in Nature revealed that hurricanes making landfall have been slowing their rate of weakening over the past 50 years, with a 94% decrease in weakening rates. Essentially, this means that as storms travel inland, they often retain their strength, increasing the risk of damage far from coastal areas.
In 2024, Hurricane Helen struck Florida, triggering deadly floods in the southern Appalachian mountains. The storm was responsible for 94 fatalities and contributed to over 100 additional deaths. Furthermore, Hurricane Beryl spawned a tornado in western New York after making landfall in Texas.
“2024 was one of the most costly hurricane seasons on record, largely due to inland effects,” Dasilva states. “It’s critical for those living inland to monitor hurricane forecasts as closely as those living on the coast.”
Thus, whether you reside on the coast or inland, science signals a clear message: conditions are lining up for enhanced activity in 2025. Stay alert to forecasts.
About Our Experts
Alex Dasilva is a seasoned meteorologist and hurricane forecaster at Accuweather, specializing in long-range predictions and tropical weather. He currently serves as Accuweather’s lead hurricane predictor and frequently appears in broadcasts and live events to inform the media and the public about upcoming significant storm events.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
