At least 26 people have not been identified and more than 200 people have been evacuated after a huge clay leaf caused a devastating landslide in the Norwegian town of Ask, about 10 kilometers north of Oslo, around 4am. on Wednesday. At least ten people are being treated for injuries at a local hospital and several houses were razed. At least one person is in critical condition, according to authorities.
“The situation is very dramatic. There has been a major landslide and we are in the process of evacuating residents of the area, “said local mayor Anders Østensen on Wednesday morning.” Several have lost their homes and, of course, are having a good time. “There are many who are very upset and scared.”
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg has tweeted about her concern. “It hurts to see how the forces of nature have murdered Gjerdrum,” he wrote. “My thoughts are on everyone affected by the landslide.”
The area around the village is known for its soft clay terrain which suddenly becomes liquid with fluctuating temperatures. Authorities are evaluating whether it is safe for rescue teams to gain access to the area.
More to come …