Norway evacuates 350 amid looming landslide threat
About 62 miles west of Oslo, authorities evacuated 350 people from areas at risk of landslides. Due to the uncertain weather, it is not ruled out that more people may need to be evacuated.
9:58 AM EDT, July 23, 2024
The incident occurred in the Telemark region of Norway, one of the country's main summer vacation spots. Visitors can relax in the mountains, by the sea or lakes, or take a walk in the forest to see the numerous waterfalls. As a result, the area is crowded with tourists, including those from abroad.
Evacuated tourists in Norway
Unfortunately, over the past day, this part of Norway has experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall. Due to the risk of a dangerous landslide on Monday, July 22, in the evening, rescue services had to evacuate local residents and tourists staying at campsites and camping grounds.
A total of about 350 people were provided with shelter. The decision on their possible return will be made by authorities after obtaining the results of geological surveys.
Climate changes in Norway
As PAP recalls, Norway is considered the country most affected by climate change in Europe. Last year, due to the largest flood of the 21st century, there were dozens of mountain slope landslides. Thanks to timely rescue operations, no one was harmed.
Several years ago, an unimaginable tragedy occurred in Norway. In December 2020, a landslide in Gjerdrum resulted in the deaths of 10 people.
The most tragic natural disaster in the country's history was also a landslide. In 1934, in Tafjord, 34 people lost their lives.
