A Swiss Alpine village in the Valais region was destroyed when a massive glacier, laden with rock and debris, detached and swept down the mountain, demolishing everything in its path.

Authorities, having anticipated the disaster due to frequent rockfalls, evacuated the 300 residents of Blatten village on May 19.

A 64-year-old man is reported missing.

The collapse blocked a river, forming a lake and threatening further flooding.

Experts attribute the collapse to melting permafrost caused by climate change, NPR has reported.

Despite the devastation, the local mayor expressed hope for rebuilding and resilience.

Written by B.C. Begley