Large area cordoned off after landslide in Storsteinnes: – We have strict control

34 people have been evacuated after a landslide at Storsteinnes in the Balsfjord early Tuesday morning. Morten Nilsen at Balsfjord Fire and Rescue reports to Nordlys that the message reached the fire service about the landslide at 07:21.

– We were notified of a large landslide and it was implemented shortly after the evacuation of several residents, says Nilsen.

Police say there are 33 residents and one employee who have been evacuated. A geologist is already on the site and has done several investigations at the site. Investigations Tuesday morning led to the evacuation of two more houses.

– Crisis personnel have been installed in the Storsteinnes town hall, where evacuees have gathered, says Sandra Johansen, head of police tasks at the site.

– Evacuees were allowed to collect necessary items.

Firefighters and police have cordoned off an area of ​​about 300 x 300 meters, says Fire Service Taskmaster Nilsen.

– We have a strict control in the area, he says.

Several geologists are heading to the site Tuesday morning.

– The geologist is now waiting for help from Multiconsult in Tromsø, says Johansen in the police.

Nordlys has spoken with one of the evacuees, who had to leave his home last night.

– We are doing well, says the man.

He has not seen where the landslide has gone, but has been informed that the entire residential street has been evacuated.

This is also confirmed by the rapporteur in Balsfjord municipality, Gunda Johansen.

– The houses are at the height and very close to where the landslide has gone. Geotechnics will be looking at the area now, he tells Nordlys at 08:30 on Tuesday.

Operations Manager Rune Nilsen of the Troms Police District tells Nordlys that it was a private person who reported the landslide.

– The evacuation was very fast, says Nilsen.

He says they are now waiting for a geologist.

– Until we have done an evaluation, it will not be relevant to move again, says Nilsen.