In other words, the slightly more than 4,700 inhabitants of the village are trapped due to the extreme weather.
Homes in <a href="https://time.news/severe-weather-jakob-ravages-western-norway-flooding-evacuations-and-emergency-response/” title=”Severe Weather 'Jakob' Ravages Western Norway: Flooding, Evacuations, and Emergency Response”>Eitrheim near Odda have been evacuated because a wall has collapsed due to large amounts of water from a river in the area.
– The bridge has been taken out by the water, says duty commander in 110 Vest, Svein-Erik Reistad, to BA around 6:30 PM.
In an update shortly after 8 PM, he reports that the bridge is “impassable,” and the road is therefore closed indefinitely.
Residents Evacuated
Several residents near Eitrheimselven have been evacuated from their homes Thursday evening.
Operations leader Halleraker states that a total of 25 homes and 47 people have been evacuated from Fureflotvegen in Eitrheim.
– Crews from the municipality are ensuring supervision and cordoning off the area. A geologist is assessing the situation on-site and reporting to the police’s response leader. The evacuees are being taken care of at the evacuation center, Halleraker says.
Hiding in Tunnels
Duty commander Reistad at 110 Vest reports that working conditions have been somewhat challenging for the firefighters at the destroyed bridge Thursday evening.
– It is a bit difficult, as they must think about their own safety while also evacuating motorists from the road. Fortunately, there are tunnels where they can hide from the storm, Reistad says.
The fire department arrived on the south side of the bridge and evacuated those who were stuck there. According to the police, a car sustained damage as a result of the road below collapsing, but no injuries have been reported.
The police reported around 8 PM that they are considering whether two houses near the bridge should be evacuated. One house is uninhabited, while the other has not been decided to be evacuated yet.
– Not a Good Enough Overview
The Tyssedal Tunnel on national road 13 is also closed due to landslide risk in the area, reports the West Traffic Control Center.
Ullensvang municipality held an emergency meeting this afternoon and has laid out a number of plans for evacuations and preparedness in connection with the extreme weather, writes Hardanger Folkeblad.
– We have not received a good enough overview from the county municipality, he believes.
He further mentions that they are working to get the boat “Epos” operational to transport residents in and out of Odda.
Efforts are being made to establish a temporary bridge to replace the one that has collapsed in Ædna.
In addition to the emergency services, Ullensvang has received assistance from the Civil Defense in the fight against “Jakob.”
– They are active with a total of 18 personnel on duty providing significant assistance with various tasks, concludes Haug.
Time.news Interview: The Impact of Extreme Weather on Small Communities
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good evening, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a very pressing issue to discuss. We’re joined by Dr. Mia Jensen, a climatologist and disaster management expert. Dr. Jensen, thank you for being with us today.
Dr. Mia Jensen: Thank you for having me. The situation in Eitrheim is quite alarming and underscores the urgent need to address the challenges posed by extreme weather.
Interviewer: Indeed. To set the stage, can you tell us more about the situation in Eitrheim, particularly with regards to the recent weather that has led to significant evacuations?
Dr. Jensen: Certainly. Eitrheim, a small village with just over 4,700 residents, is currently facing a crisis due to extreme rainfall leading to flooding. A crucial bridge was swept away, isolating the community and rendering vital routes impassable. This level of disruption exemplifies the increasing severity of weather events we are witnessing globally.
Interviewer: It’s heartbreaking to hear about the evacuations. Can you elaborate on the specific impacts this flooding has had on residents and infrastructure?
Dr. Jensen: Yes, the immediate impact has been significant—25 homes and 47 individuals evacuated, with many being relocated to an evacuation center for their safety. The evacuation process can be chaotic and emotional for families, and the loss of access due to the destroyed bridge poses both logistical and emotional challenges for the community, isolating them at a critical time.
Interviewer: You mentioned infrastructure—what can you say about the emergency response efforts, particularly from the local authorities?
Dr. Jensen: The local authorities are working under challenging conditions. Firefighters and emergency crews are doing their best to ensure safety, as noted by duty commander Svein-Erik Reistad. It’s crucial that they balance their own safety while rescuing stranded motorists. Access to tunnels for safety during the storm reveals both the dangers they face and the resourcefulness they must employ in emergencies like this.
Interviewer: It sounds like emergency personnel have quite the task ahead of them. With more severe weather expected, what measures do you think small communities like Eitrheim should consider to prepare for such events in the future?
Dr. Jensen: Resilience planning is key. Communities must develop comprehensive emergency response strategies, including regular drills, building robust infrastructures, and establishing clear communication channels. Education about the risks associated with extreme weather can empower residents to take precautionary measures. Moreover, investing in better drainage systems and flood defenses can drastically reduce potential damage.
Interviewer: Those are valuable insights. Given that climate change is believed to be a major factor in these increasing weather extremes, what can we do on a broader scale to address these challenges?
Dr. Jensen: Addressing climate change requires collective global action. We need to shift towards renewable energy sources, implement sustainable practices, and support legislation that prioritizes environmental protection. Furthermore, investing in climate research helps us better understand and predict these extreme events, allowing for proactive community planning.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Jensen, for your insights today. The situation in Eitrheim is a powerful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by small communities amid a changing climate. We hope to see effective responses for the residents there.
Dr. Jensen: Thank you for shedding light on this important issue. It’s vital we keep these conversations going to foster awareness and action.
Interviewer: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Let’s stay informed and engaged as we navigate these pressing challenges together. Until next time.