Tag Archives: landslides
Building the walls: Avalanche-protection barriers in Longyearbyen could cost 79M to 180M kroner, NVE reports
Installing protective barriers in areas of Longyearbyen considered at risk of avalanches could cost 79 million to 180 million kroner, depending on the extent and level of protection, according to a report presented to city officials Tuesday.
STORM UPDATE: Evacuation situation remains uncertain with more rain and warm temperatures expected tonight
An immense rainstorm forced about 140 people to evacuate residents and guest lodges Monday afternoon due to landslide and flooding concerns and, while no major incidents were reported, officials were unsure as of midday Tuesday about whether it would be safe for people to return to their homes.
ALERT: MAJOR STORM WARNING ISSUED – UP TO 50MM OF RAIN IN 24 HRS IN LONGYEARBYEN, 100MM IN MOUNTAINS BEGINNING MONDAY
Update 3:45 p.m.: Emergency officials are scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. Monday to determine if some areas should be closed and/or evacuated, according to a statement issued by The Governor of Svalbard. Vei 300 between Huset and the old museum, where the largest of last month’s landslides occurred, will be closed as of Monday morning.
Original story: A storm is expected to bring up to 50 millimeters of rain to Longyearbyen and up to 100 millimeters of precipiation in some surrounding mountains during a 24-hour period Monday and Tuesday, resulting in a significant risk of landslides and other hazards, according to the Norwegian Meteorological Institute.
Muck amok: Worst landslides in more than 40 years close roads, prompt warnings for all travel in mountains
A month-long stretch of record rainfall and unusually warm temperatures have triggered the worst landslides in Longyearbyen since 1972, forcing the closure of roads near hillsides and prompting safety officials to warn people not to travel near mountainsides in wet weather until after freezing temperatures have set in.
