BLATTEN (dpa-AFX) - According to initial estimates, the glacier collapse in the Swiss Lotschental valley at the end of May caused insured damage amounting to 320 million Swiss francs (just over 340 million euros). The Swiss Insurance Association said that the total includes damage to private homes and businesses. Insurance companies have promised the population quick and unbureaucratic help. Payouts have already started.
After several rockfalls, the glacier broke off and thundered down into the valley with huge quantities of ice, rock, and debris. It almost completely buried the village of Blatten. Most of the houses that were still standing were subsequently flooded because the debris cone blocked the bed of the Lonza River, causing a lake to form behind it. /oe/DP/mis
