Italian resort evacuated over risk of Mont Blanc glacier collapse
Hovering block of ice
The hovering block of ice from the Planpincieux glacier within the Mont Blanc massif is estimated at about 500,000 cubic metres, said Valerio Segor, director of the natural risk management service for the Aosta Valley region.
That is the equivalent size of Milan's cathedral, or "a soccer field with 80 metres of ice on it," he said at a press conference in the northwestern Italian town of Courmayeur, near the French border.
Air surveillance
Experts say a recent rise in temperature means that the massive chunk of ice could break off and slide down the mountain, threatening homes to the east of the picturesque town and ski resort. Helicopters were seen circling the mountain to ensure safe evacuation.
Homes evacuated
Homes have been evacuated in Courmayeur in Italy’s Aosta valley, after a renewed warning that a huge portion of a Mont Blanc glacier is at risk of collapse.
The evacuation of 75 people, including 15 residents, began on Thursday after an alert from the mayor the night before. Roads leading to the Val Ferret valley below, a favourite spot for hikers, were closed.
Closely monitored
The glacier has been closely monitored since 2013 to detect the speed at which the ice is melting.
In August 2018, a heavy storm unleashed a debris flow, killing an elderly couple when their car was swept from the road that is currently closed.
In the event of a collapse, it would take less than two minutes for the mass to reach the municipal road below.
Roads shut
The measures were introduced on Wednesday morning after experts from the Fondazione Montagne Sicura (Safe Mountains Foundation) said 500,000 cubic metres of ice was in danger of sliding off the Planpincieux glacier on the Grandes Jorasses park.
)
)
)
)
)