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The memory of the tragedy encouraged all the inhabitants of the commune to suspend their hearts and light candles on the anniversary of the landslide on Ask.
In memory of the ten people who lost their lives. As well as all those who lost their homes, the inhabitants of Gjerdrum commemorated the first anniversary of the tragedy on Thursday evening. The original plan for a full assembly in the Ask community center and several other places in the commune had to be changed and adapted to the new rules of kowid restrictions.
- Part of the program had to be canceled due to infection, but we will lay a wreath at the temporary monument we have erected, Mayor Anders Østensen told NTB on Thursday.
Throughout the day, there were several spots around downtown Ask where fires were made and where people could gather. Many took the opportunity to write greetings and thoughts on the red paper hearts that hung in the center of the Christmas tree.
- There were many strong conversations around the fire. I have the feeling that more people now have the strength to tell their story of what they experienced that night. There were many strong stories, Mayor Anders Østensen told NRK in a live broadcast of the celebration.
Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB
All the inhabitants of Gjerdrum were encouraged to light candles in the driveways and yards, and to make their hearts out with good thoughts and words.
- We encourage all residents of Gjerdrum to light candles in their yards, driveways, gardens and porches - wherever they can! - she wrote community to all residents. And many have followed this call.
The Gjerdrum Cultural Center is open from early morning until late evening hours. Volunteers and workers from the commune and the church serve waffles and coffee.
The photo exhibition "Little Village with a Big Heart" was opened and the concert Ask Kulthus was broadcast with Knut Bjørnar Asphol and Erlend Gunstveit.
The church in downtown Ask was also open Thursday night for those who met the desire to come in and gather their thoughts.
14 buildings absorbed
The landslide last year is one of the largest rapid clay landslides in Norwegian history. An area of 300 by 700 meters has collapsed. 14 buildings with 31 housing units in Nystulia disappeared in 1,35 million cubic meters of clay. Some houses have been moved up to 400 meters.
Thirteen people were saved from the landslide in the first hours, and ten people lost their lives. Several of them were searched for a long time before being found dead. The last deceased was not found until March 25.
Source: NTB
Photo: Annika Byrde / NTB
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