Landslides in Telemark force evacuation of 350 as rain batters Norway
About 100 kilometres west of Oslo, the authorities evacuated 350 people from areas at risk of landslides. Due to the uncertain weather, it is not ruled out that more people will be evacuated.
The incident occurred in the Telemark region of Norway, one of the country's main summer vacation spots. One can relax in the mountains, by the sea or lake, or take a walk in the forest to see the numerous waterfalls. Therefore, the place is crowded with tourists, including those from abroad.
Evacuated tourists in Norway
Unfortunately, over the past day, this part of Norway experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall. Due to the risk of a dangerous landslide on Monday, 22 July, in the evening, rescue services had to evacuate 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 the 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 in the 21st century, there were dozens of mountain slope landslides. However, thanks to timely rescue operations, no one was harmed.
Several years ago, unfortunately, an unimaginable tragedy occurred in Norway. As a result of a landslide in Gjerdrum in December 2020, 10 people died.
But the most tragic natural disaster in the country's history was also a landslide - in 1934 in Tafjord, 34 people died.
