Panic in France as huge glacial lake threatens to flood pretty village

Panic is rippling through the French Alpine village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise as a glacial lake perched high above the community threatens to burst, triggering fears of devastation similar to past disasters in the Alps.

Formed in 2020 due to rapid glacial melt driven by climate change, the Grand Marchet lake is now estimated to contain between 50,000 and 70,000 cubic metres of water. The lake sits at an altitude of 2,900 metres, held back only by a thinning glacier.

Officials warn that should the ice dam fail, a powerful torrent could surge into the valley below, sweeping rocks and debris through the narrow village and causing potentially catastrophic damage.

The picturesque commune in Savoie, home to around 700 residents and nestled within the Vanoise National Park, is bracing for the worst. The town's campsite has already been closed as a precaution.

Authorities have launched an emergency drainage operation costing €400,000 (£340,000), funded primarily by France's Green Fund and the Major Natural Risk Prevention Fund. Pralognan's local council is covering the remaining costs.

The plan involves airlifting heavy construction equipment by helicopter to the glacial site, where workers will dig a controlled channel to drain the lake gradually before it can overflow.

"We know this lake could suddenly drain under the glacier and cause significant damage downstream," said David Binet, director of the Northern Alps terrain restoration agency.

"This is about protecting lives and infrastructure before that happens."

This operation follows similar projects in recent years at Rochemelon (2005) and Chamonix (2023), where glacial lakes were drained to avert disaster.

However, officials say the logistical and environmental challenges are particularly acute in Pralognan, given its location within a protected national park.

"Bringing excavators to 2,900 metres is no small task," added Laurent Charnay, of the Vanoise National Park's scientific services. "We rejected road access due to environmental impact, so everything will be flown in."

While authorities insist the situation is under control, local residents remain uneasy.

"People are scared," said Jean-Claude, a village pâtissier. "They keep asking if this will be another Blatten."

With work scheduled to continue through summer, the hope is that the channel will safely lower the water level before nature can unleash it.