Quick clay landslide kills three people in Norway

A deadly quick clay landslide occurred in Asakveien, Sørum in Norway on November 10, 2016. Three people who were reported missing on the occasion are currently presumed dead.

The slide happened in the afternoon hours (local time). Three forestry workers were immediately reported missing, prompting emergency rescue operations. Unfortunately, the quest yielded no results, and the missing people, likely of Lithuanian nationality, have been assumed dead.

According to media reports, the landslide was 400 m (1 312 feet) wide and about 300 m (984 feet) in length. The geologists from the NGI have been called to conduct an investigation on the masses and potential danger of further landslides. The area of Sørum municipality where the incident occurred is generally prone to quick clay landslides.

Video credit: Tore Meek/NTB Scanpix/Dagbladet via YouTube

Some suggest the landslide could have been caused by construction works on the nearby road, although there is no substantial evidence to confirm this, for now.

Expert's analysis of images, caught in the landslide video, suggests the earth moving equipment and cut slopes have been located to the right of the landslide. There is a possibility the activity has extended into the area which collapsed.

According to Marianne Grimstad Hansen, the Mayor of the Sørum municipality, the most pressing concern is to ensure safety for the residents of the affected region.

"The municipality's crisis management have in the initial phase devoted time to get an overview of the situation. The municipality has the crisis team at the place where those affected are gathered to assist in the work. The important thing for us now is to safeguard our citizens who live in the area, while police manage rescue efforts."

Featured image credit: Tore Meek/NTB Scanpix/Dagbladet via YouTube