At least 26 people are missing and more than 200 people have been evacuated after a massive layer of clay triggered a devastating landslide in the Norwegian village of Ask, about 10 miles north of Oslo, around 4 a.m. Wednesday. At least 10 people are being treated for injuries in a local hospital and several houses have been wiped out. 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 from the area, ”said local mayor, Anders Østensen, Wednesday morning. “Some of them have lost their homes, and of course they are struggling. There are many people who are very upset and scared. “
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg tweeted her concerns. “It hurts to see how the forces of nature have devastated Gjerdrum,” she wrote. “My thoughts go out to everyone affected by the landslide.”
The area around the village is known for its soft clay soil that suddenly becomes liquid at varying temperatures. Authorities assess whether it is safe for rescue teams to enter the area.
More to come…