I addition to mibn's diagnosis, it sounds suspiciously like a failed defrost element. Inside the panel you've described is at least one light bulb looking affair (about an inch in diameter and perhaps 4 to 5 inches in length) that provides heat during the deforst cycle to melt the ice. These fail about every 3 to 4 years. I'm describing what I've experienced here in the U.S. and assuming some similarity.
If, after melting and drying the area (be sure to unplug the fridge), the panel is fairly easy to remove with just a few screws. Don't damage the gasket that's around at least the bottom of the panel. Afterward, you'll see the heater(s). They're not expensive, so, if there's more than one, I'd replace both. You'll see that they plug into a receptacle.
Now's a good time to flush some warm, clear water with a little detergent through the inlet to the drain mibn described. It's also a good time to thoroughly clean the tray underneath. It'll have a lot of gunk in it.
Replace the panel, plug it in and run it through a defrost cycle. During the cycle, you'll hear the fan previously described. It circulates the warm air to assist in melting the ice.
In normal operation, only a little ice and frost builds up, melts, drains and starts all over again from a timer or sensor...
Best of luck!