Heavy rainfall on Wednesday 22nd May resulted in huge floods in southern Norway. Flood warning had been issued earlier in the week, but after Wednesday night’s rainfall it was feared that flood waters could rise to their highest levels in 50 years. The problems of heavy rainfall were added to by snow melt in the higher regions. The overall result was far more water than rivers and drainage systems could handle.
Norway’s “News in English” Reported:
Major flood warnings were posted in Oppland, Buskerud, Telemark and Hedmark counties, with flooding occurring in Akershus as well. The area around Svingen station at Fetsund in Akershus was also under water Wednesday morning.
Authorities have reported that at least 300 people have been evacuated from their homes. There has been disruption of transport with rail and road both affected.
Particualrly badly affected was the village of Kvam where 250 people were evacuated o Thursday. Kvam is situated near the Gudbrandsdalslågen River, which had burst its banks thanks to the heavy rainfall. The flood waters were so bad that Kvam was all but cut off. Roads and houses were badly hit and work to disperse the flood water was halted due to hazardous conditions.
Eidsvoll’s Holt in Akershus County was also badly hit and 41 had to be evacuated from their homes . Nesbyen in Buskerud County suffered heavy rainfall which resulted in a massive landslide about 20 metres wide. Local people were forced to leave their homes. Another landslide occurred in the Valdres district, which, according to reports, carried a house with it. Thankfully there have been no injuries, although 43 people had to be evacuated.
Railway lines have been badly affected, with various lines closed, such as the Dovrebanen rail line between Hamar and Eidsvoll, the Kongsvinger line into Oslo. Roads have also been badly affected, especially the E6 highway, which connects much of southern Norway with Oslo. One stretch north of Lillehammer was closed due to a massive landslide there. Where flood damage on the road network had occurred, detours were put in place although often using smaller roads which themselves were vulnerable to flooding.
Sources: News in English; The Foreigner
Photos: NRK
Ben
- Edit
My cousin is in Norway and he was on vacation when it happened. His house is ruined and is dealing with aggravation and devastation from the after effects from the flood. I cannot even think of what he is dealing with.