The county chairman in the Norwegian interior fears that lives may be lost as a consequence of the extreme weather His progress in Norway.
The government has called in seven helicopters to assist with the evacuation work.
People have been isolated in several places in the interior when roads have been closed due to landslides or floods.
– We have never before seen such high levels in the rivers, and the forecasts indicate that they will rise, especially in the larger rivers, says Erik Holmqvist of Norway’s water and energy authority NVE to NTB.
Aud Hove, chairman of the county of Innlandet, says that many residents of smaller communities are isolated and that the crisis authorities risk not being able to reach those who need help.
– We are in a crisis of national dimensions, says Hove in a press release, and continues:
– Now we need help from society at large. Today is crucial to whether this will go well or not.
Serious situation
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre tells NTB that it is a serious situation and that the state will stand up.
The government has deployed seven extra helicopters to assist with the evacuation work.
– We have funds that we will prioritize to municipalities and counties that need it, the defense is assisting with helicopters in several places, and we will also look at other ways we can help those affected by the storm.
Thousands were evacuated
In several places around Norway, floods have led to people having to be evacuated. Among other things, in Hønefoss just south of Innlandet, where a thousand people are being evacuated as a result of floods in the river Storelva, which flows through the heart of the state.
– It is not voluntary, you have to go out, says Igor Popovic, at the Hønefoss police to the local newspaper Ringerikes Blad.