Dam Partially Collapses in Norway Following Heavy Flooding
By Terje Solsvik and Victoria Klesty
OSLO (Reuters) – A dam on the Glomma River, Norway’s largest waterway, partially collapsed on Wednesday after days of heavy flooding in the area, causing water to surge through a gaping hole in the structure. TV images showed the Braskereidfoss power dam struggling to open its hatches due to flooding in its control room.
Utility company Hafslund stated that water appeared to be flowing through the dam in an orderly manner following the breach. Fortunately, there were no immediate signs of major downstream flooding, according to a police spokesperson.
Earlier, police had contemplated blowing one of the hatches on the 45-year-old dam to alleviate the situation. However, the explosion would have been difficult to control, resulting in the decision to abandon the idea.
The flooding in Norway has forced the evacuation of thousands of people, with rivers reaching their highest levels in at least half a century. Landslides have submerged or swept away homes and businesses. As a result, main roads were closed and train services were suspended across southern Norway. Officials have warned of further flooding in the days ahead as the water moves toward coastal regions.
In addition to the dam collapse, a railway bridge on the line connecting Oslo to Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city, also collapsed. Fortunately, there was no risk to individuals as the trains had already been suspended since Monday.
Innlandet county, one of the hardest-hit areas, reported that many people were isolated by the floods, making it difficult for first responders to reach those in need. Innlandet Mayor Aud Hove stated, “We’re in an emergency situation of national dimensions.”
Responding to the crisis, the government decided to deploy more helicopters for the evacuation efforts, according to the ministry of justice and public security.
The Nordic region has been experiencing strong winds, heavy rains, and landslides in recent days. This has led to power outages in Finland, flooded villages in Norway and Sweden, and disrupted public transport in severely affected areas.
In Sweden, a train derailed on Monday when a railway embankment was washed away by floods, resulting in three injuries.
Norwegian and Swedish authorities have maintained red alerts, their most severe flood warnings, for several regions on Wednesday.
Reporting by Terje Solsvik and Victoria Klesty, Editing by Alexandra Hudson, John Stonestreet, and Angus MacSwan