Unusual scenes of 'flying cows' in Switzerland

(Patria) - Dozens of cows were evacuated by helicopter from an Alpine village in southern Switzerland after geologists warned of an imminent rockslide danger.

The village of Blatten, home to about 300 people in the Lötschental valley, was evacuated on Tuesday after experts discovered signs of unstable ground above the settlement.

Fifty-two cows were involved in the evacuation - some were moved on foot or by vehicles, while others were airlifted by helicopter.

Access to hiking trails in the region is also restricted. Although the reason is quite unpleasant, the operation resulted in interesting scenes.

Judging by the video footage, the cows calmly waited to be transported elsewhere by helicopters.

According to the spokesperson for the regional civil protection headquarters, between 150,000 and 200,000 cubic meters of rock have broken off above Blatten.

However, this was not yet the expected main landslide. Further rockfalls are expected.

The latest estimates suggest that one to three million cubic meters of material could break off, says Alban Brigger, an engineer for natural hazards in Upper Valais.

"We are talking about hours, not necessarily days, when further collapses could occur. Our goal is to ensure that no one gets hurt," Brigger said at a press conference.

The mayor of Blatten, Matthias Bellwald, stated to the media that five days ago, no one would have thought that the mountain, considered immovable for years, would move.

"That is why the evacuation of the entire village was ordered. It is still unknown when the 300 residents, as well as their cows, will be able to return to their homes. We hope they can return as soon as possible," added Bellwald.