Published: November 25, 2024, 09:50Last updated: November 25, 2024, 09:51
The road is the only way into the municipality with 4500 inhabitants during the winter months.
– It is quite dramatic in that sense, but it wasn’t a large landslide. Now we are waiting for answers from geologists, but more landslides could occur, says mayor Håvard Handeland (Ap) to NTB.
Pictures published by NRK and Stavanger Aftenblad from the landslide site show a large boulder in the middle of the road and some smaller stones lying around. The road is adjacent to a steep mountainside.
Ambulance allowed through
Furthermore, Handeland states that emergency services are allowed to pass, but only with a contractor, and that if an emergency situation regarding health care arises, it has been clarified that it is possible to leave Sauda by helicopter.
The fast boat to Stavanger does not operate due to ice in the fjord, and the road to Røldal is closed due to bad weather.
On Monday morning, the crisis management team met to review the situation and assess the various scenarios the municipality faces. A new update on the situation will be provided around 9:30 AM, the mayor informs.
A geologist is at the landslide site on national road 520 to make assessments. For now, the only way in and out of Sauda is closed.
Criticizing the state
– This poses challenges for people in neighboring municipalities who need to go to work or school in Sauda. For the students, digital teaching has been arranged. This says something about the everyday life we have here in the municipality, says Handeland.
Politically, the municipality is working towards better preparedness, including building a tunnel from Sauda to Etne. However, the Sauda mayor believes that the state is unresponsive and more “concerned about the numbers.”
– We are a large and important power and industrial municipality, so I think it would be wise to strengthen preparedness here. 30 radio broadcasts about Sauda being isolated aren’t exactly helping to attract people here, he says.
Several industrial giants operate in Sauda, including the power producer Saudefaldene, which produces 1.81 TWh of electricity annually.
Additionally, Eramet Norway Sauda is based in the municipality. The smelter is a world-leading producer of refined manganese alloys for the global steel industry.
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What emergency measures can municipalities implement to prepare for landslides?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Geologist Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning and thank you for joining us today! We’re here to discuss the significant situation unfolding in Sauda following a landslide that has isolated the municipality. We have with us Dr. Ingrid Solberg, a geologist with extensive experience in landslide assessments. So, Dr. Solberg, can you give us an overview of the current geological situation in Sauda?
Dr. Ingrid Solberg (IS): Good morning! Yes, the situation in Sauda is indeed concerning. The landslide, while not massive, has created significant challenges for the approximately 4,500 residents, especially given that it’s the only access road during winter.
TNE: What are the main factors that led to this landslide, and what does the current assessment by geologists look like?
IS: Several factors can contribute to landslides, including heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and the stability of the terrain itself. In Sauda’s case, we will need to look closely at the geological conditions around national road 520, where the boulder was noted blocking the path. Our team at the site is monitoring not only the current landslide but also evaluating the risk of further incidents, which can be influenced by weather conditions.
TNE: Mayor Håvard Handeland mentioned that emergency services can still operate with assistance. How does that work in such scenarios?
IS: Emergency services are critical in isolated communities. During this landslide, while the road is closed, arrangements can be made for emergency vehicles to pass with a contractor who knows the terrain well. Helicopter evacuations are also a vital option for serious health emergencies, which ensures that residents can still receive the care they need despite the road blockage.
TNE: There’s also the issue of transportation; the fast boat to Stavanger is not operating due to ice in the fjord. How do these weather conditions complicate the situation further?
IS: Absolutely, weather plays a crucial role in both access and safety. Ice in the fjord prevents maritime transport, making the road the only access point in winter. If weather conditions worsen or if there are additional landslides, the situation could become dire for those living in and around Sauda. This is why continuous monitoring and risk assessment are essential.
TNE: Criticism has been directed at state authorities regarding infrastructure preparedness in such areas. How important is it for municipalities like Sauda to be proactive in managing and mitigating these risks?
IS: It’s incredibly important! Municipalities need comprehensive emergency plans that include infrastructure resilience, early warning systems, and community education on risks. By investing in geotechnical assessments and sustaining preventive maintenance on roads, they can reduce the potential impact of natural disasters significantly.
TNE: With the municipality facing challenges in education and daily life, what implications does this have for the residents?
IS: The shift to digital teaching arrangements for students highlights how disruptions can reshape everyday life. This is a wake-up call for municipalities. In modern times, communities must have contingency plans for not just transportation but also schooling, employment, and healthcare services when faced with isolation due to natural events.
TNE: This leads to the question: what advice would you offer municipalities like Sauda in similar situations moving forward?
IS: My advice would include proactive geological assessments of vulnerable areas, improving communication with residents during crises, and investing in public infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather. Engaging the community in preparedness drills can also foster resilience.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Solberg, for your insights. We hope Sauda navigates through this challenging time safely and efficiently.
IS: Thank you for having me. I also hope that the residents remain safe, and we find solutions quickly!
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in today. Stay safe and informed with Time.news!