Natural disasters in Switzerland: landslide in Blatten

Landslide in Blatten

This tragedy struck the village of 300 inhabitants, destroying almost all of the homes and claiming one life, as well as sweeping away a unique cultural heritage. Nearly 180 historic buildings were reduced to rubble, robbing the community of a heritage passed down for centuries.

Exceptional solidarity

The Swiss population's response has been remarkable. Thanks to the donations received, we are able to provide practical support to help the residents and municipality recover from this tragedy. This aid takes various forms:

Direct financial support for those affected;
Contributions towards the cost of temporary accommodation,
Assistance in the event of loss of income and operating losses for small businesses;
Psychosocial support is also available if necessary.
Medium- to long-term support covering remaining costs.
Support for the municipality.

Our support is supplementary to public aid, insurance and other institutions, such as fondssuisse.

Aid is implemented in coordination with the municipality of Blatten, the cantonal authorities, the Swiss Red Cross and Caritas. Requests for support can be sent directly to the municipality, where they will be examined by a commission of which Swiss Solidarity is a member. This commission will analyse each case and make a quick decision on each one.

Helicopter in action over debris and torrent in Blatten - rapid assistance after landslide, donations urgently needed.

Phase 1: Emergency aid
In the weeks following the disaster, those affected were able to receive direct financial aid to cover their most urgent needs and purchase essential items, without administrative delays.
Phase 2: Transition phase
Swiss Solidarity covers additional costs, such as extra rent, loss of income, operating costs and damage suffered by associations.
Phase 3: Coverage of remaining costs
In this phase, individuals will receive assistance to cover costs not covered by insurance. We will also support other projects to help the population, working closely with the authorities.

"Swiss Solidarity has extensive experience in responding to natural disasters in Switzerland. We harness the solidarity of the population and convert it into effective, targeted aid. To support those affected in the medium and long term, we adapt our aid according to changing needs.”

Miren Bengoa

Director Swiss Solidarity

Father with child looking at landslide area in Blatten - giving hope through local help and support.

Thank you for your solidarity!

We would like to thank each and every one of our donors for their wonderful support for the municipality of Blatten since the landslide. Thanks to your trust and solidarity, Swiss Solidarity will support Blatten and accompany all those affected during this difficult time. Thank you for giving them hope and support. Together, we are building a Switzerland based on solidarity.

Q&A

We bring together solidarity in Switzerland in the event of a disaster. In Blatten, for example, we are providing additional support to those affected, alongside insurance, public aid and other existing funds. Our goal is to provide rapid, targeted and effective assistance.

Your donation will:

- provide direct assistance to those affected by the disaster;

- help cover the cost of temporary accommodation;

- support small businesses and local associations affected by the disaster.

- cover the remaining costs related to the damage suffered;

- contribute towards damage suffered by the municipality in exceptional cases.

Every penny counts and is used to meet specific needs on the ground.

No, as the logistics involved in collecting, transporting and sorting material goods are too complex and costly. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that donations will meet the actual needs on the ground.

We therefore prefer to provide financial aid, which is faster and more appropriate, enabling people to buy what they really need.

Established in the 1990s, this fund enables a rapid response to natural disasters in Switzerland. It is funded by donations and bequests from people who wish to support those affected by such events. This means that immediate action can be taken without having to wait for a fundraising campaign to be launched.

Our support does not end with the emergency aid. We are committed to supporting those affected for as long as necessary.

There has been an outpouring of solidarity towards those affected, and various initiatives and organisations have been set up to collect donations. However, in very rare cases, some fundraising activities may turn out to be fraudulent. Before making a donation, we recommend finding out about the organisation or individuals responsible and checking how they communicate about the donations collected. You should also check whether they publish a transparent annual report and whether they have experience in coordinating aid. Once you have ensured that your donation is in good hands, you can then support the organisation of your choice.

Natural disasters in Switzerland: Blatten

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Flooded houses in Blatten after landslide - urgent donation for emergency aid and rapid assistance on site.

Keystone / Cyril Zingaro

Exceptional solidarity from the Swiss population - Swiss Solidarity has already raised over CHF 11 million to support Blatten

04.06.2025

Thanks to a remarkable outpouring of solidarity from the Swiss population and the support of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG), Swiss Solidarity has already been able to collect more than CHF 11 million for the people affected by the rockslide in Blatten. These donations will enable Swiss Solidarity to provide rapid and lasting help to those affected.