We no longer hope to find survivors
The police are completing the rescue operation in landslide in Gjerdrum. Three people who have been presumed dead are still missing.
A large-scale rescue operation has been going on for several days after the landslide in Gjerdrum. Police have long hoped they could survive, but are now completing the rescue operation without any hope.
"We did everything we could to find survivors, but this natural disaster was extremely powerful," says Ida Melbo Øystese, chief of police in the Eastern Police District.
Seven people were declared dead and identified. Three people are still missing, but are now believed to be dead as well.
- the search for the alleged deceased is ongoing.
Mayor of the commune of Gierdrum Anders Østensen.
- It's a strong blow. Ten people were hit in the worst possible way by this tragedy, says Anders Østensen.
- There were a lot of rescue teams in Ask who tried as best they could. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, but it is very difficult to name everyone who is involved now, says Østensen.
. No possibility
The police and health service have long believed that survivors could be found in the landslide area, even though it was already a few days and it was very cold.
- We believe that it was right to continue this search because the opportunity has arisen. We found the dog alive no later than yesterday, says Fridtjof Heyerdal, head of health operations.
On Tuesday afternoon it was made clear that there were no more places they could survive.
"It's a very difficult decision emotionally, but going to another phase is now the right and logical one," says Heyerdal.
Canceled rescue operation
A rescue operation took place on Tuesday morning, but it was abruptly cut short when a new landslide occurred nearby. All crews were evacuated, but no one was injured.
Emergency services say they are working on planning to continue the search.
- We work with logic to map where those not found might be. We are also creating safety plans on how we can take action in the event of further landslides, says Øystese.
- Is the activity very limited?
- It's a bit lowered. At the same time, intensive planning work is underway. We will obtain video, photos, intelligence information, and analyze the investigative steps taken so that we can begin the search for the alleged deceased, says Alkvist.
