Norway revives bomb shelter mandate amid Russian tensions
Norway plans to reinstate the requirement for bomb shelters in newly constructed buildings. This decision arises from concerns about Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The Norwegian government announced its intention to reintroduce the requirement for bomb shelters in new buildings, responding to increasing worries about Russia's actions in Ukraine.
There’s more uncertainty around us. We must take care of the civilian population, in case of a ‘worst-case scenario’ with war or armed attack," said the Minister of Public Security, Emilie Enger Mehl, in an interview with the public broadcaster NRK.
The requirement for building shelters was previously enforced but was abandoned in 1998. Now, due to rising tensions, Norway intends to reintroduce this mandate.
Norway: The requirement for building shelters will be restored
Polsat News explains that according to the new regulations, shelters will need to be built with buildings larger than 1,000 square metres.
The government proposes two types of shelters: those protecting against chemical and radioactive weapons and those designed to withstand conventional weapons attacks.
Shelters should include various facilities, such as water supply. It is also necessary to provide toilets and install other sanitary equipment. Emergency power supply must be ensured in case the power grid is damaged," emphasised Mehl.
These proposals will be included in a readiness report containing over 100 recommendations aimed at strengthening Norway in the event of war, extreme weather conditions, or pandemics.
Polsat News emphasises that Norwegians, who share a border with Russia, are particularly concerned about Putin's aggressive policies.
