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“None of us have been through this before”
A total of 14 Swedes participated in the search for the landslide in Gjerdrum, where seven people are still missing.
One of those who flew into the area of the landslide was Tomas Norberg.
– As long as we work, we work with hope, he says.
Swede Tomas Norberg was one of 14 Swedes sent by MSB Gjerdrum me Norway, to assist with post-landslide rescue efforts.
He has just returned to his family in Gothenburg, when Aftonbladet catches up with him.
– We are all tired, both in the body and in the brain. None of us have been through this before, says Tomas:
– But if they had asked us to do it again, the answer would have been yes.
“Cellular plastic sheets like a puzzle”
Tomás, who during the operation worked as a liaison person, and eight other firefighters flew there on Wednesday. The next day five more firefighters arrived.
Tomas describes an intensive search, but one that was hampered by unstable terrain.
– Very early on, we realized that a land operation would not be possible due to all the water and mud. So all efforts were preceded by helicopters, he says:
– But on New Year’s Day we could go down. We place cell space boards like a puzzle on the ground to build a walkway.
The work was further complicated by the darkness.
– Due to increased risk at night, we do not actively look for the onset of darkness, it says:
– As with all accidents, it is of course a battle against time.
The marked dog
The focus of the search was always on finding survivors. But at lunchtime on New Year’s Day, the first person was found in the landslides.
– The dog left a mark. Both Swedish and Norwegian staff were on the scene and then we put all our resources into finding the person, who had sadly died.
– Then began the work of transferring the person to health care.
How was it then?
– Those of us who work on site are trained and trained for it. It is part of our work. But it is clear that we are also human, and our thoughts go to all those affected and their families.
“Working with hope”
Several days have passed since the Ask landslide. So far three people have been found dead. Seven are still missing. But according to Tomas, staff still have high hopes of finding survivors.
– We work to make it a lifesaver. As long as we work, we work with hope.
Is there a risk that some of the missing will never be found?
– It has been a large landslide, and it is estimated that the houses have moved several hundred meters. I really have no idea about that, but of course I hope they find everyone.
On Saturday morning, Swedish rescue personnel returned to Sweden. The Norwegian equivalent continues to function in the racial masses.
– We have brought home a completely new experience. They have all done a fantastic job and the Norwegians will bravely manage the effort, says Tomas Norberg:
– But now the thoughts honestly go home to my family. For us, tonight will be a New Years celebration.
