King Harald has issued a statement after a massive landslide close to the Norwegian capital, Oslo, in the early hours of December 30th 2020. Just hours after the accident took place, His Majesty wrote:
“The night’s landslide in Gjerdrum has made a deep impression on me and my family. My thoughts are with everyone who is affected, injured, has lost their home and who now lives in fear and uncertainty about the full extent of the disaster. In a situation that is still confusing, I send a sincere hope and my warmest concern to all those affected by the disaster. I would also like to thank all the emergency services, the municipalities in the immediate area and volunteers for their great efforts under very demanding conditions.”
It was early on Wednesday morning that a large mudslide occurred in Gjerdurum, outside the capital Oslo. There are children among the 15 people who have not been accounted for, said the police at a press conference. A Swedish crisis team has been sent to Gjerdrum from Gothenburg to assist the Norwegians.
More than 1,500 residents in the area are being evacuated and police are looking for survivors. Throughout the day, the landslide has continued and houses have collapsed with some falling into ruin as live TV cameras filmed them. It is the largest and most serious accident of its kind in Norway in over 30 years. Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Minister of Justice Monica Mæland visited the area while the landslide is still going on. More than 100 people from ambulances and the military are now working in the area to search for survivors.
The Norwegian Royal Family has a long tradition of visiting areas in Norway affected by natural catastrophes. It is very likely that a member will travel to Gjerdrum one of the next few days to show their support. No further comments have been made so far on this from the royal court.
