A representative of the authorities is observing the situation on the Planpincieux glacier
Photo: ANDREA BERNARDI / AFPThe situation on the Planpincieux glacier has normalized again and all protective measures have been lifted, according to those responsible in the Italian municipality of Courmayeur on Sunday. The authorities had previously feared that a piece of glacier the size of Milan Cathedral could break off and fall into the valley.
The affected area is located in the Grandes Jorasses massif, which is part of the Mont Blanc region, on the border between France and Italy. Those responsible in Courmayeur had blocked several roads in the small valley of Val Ferret on Wednesday evening in view of the announced high temperatures and ordered the precautionary evacuation for around 30 houses in a "red zone" below the glacier. 15 residents and more than 50 tourists were affected. They were now allowed to return to their homes.
Authorities defend warning against criticism
The Courmayeur ski resort itself is in the vicinity of the Val Ferret, but was not affected by the impending glacial break. After criticism from residents and tourism representatives, who feared the consequences for their business, which had already been badly shaken by the Corona crisis, the town hall defended the measure on Sunday: The warning was necessary, but only affected a small area. However, one regrets the scare tactics of some media.
In autumn 2019, a large ice block threatened to break off the Planpincieux glacier. To prevent catastrophes, he is constantly monitored by scientists. In this way, the authorities can recognize when there is an acute danger.
Many glaciers in the Alps have lost massive amounts of ice in recent years. The global warming is responsible for this. Between the years 2000 and 2014 alone, according to a recently presented overview study by researchers at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, one sixth of the total ice volume in the Alpine region disappeared, more than 22 cubic kilometers.
Icon: The mirrorchs / AFP