Police chief Ida Melbo Øystese in the Eastern Police District says that there is no longer any hope of finding survivors in the avalanche in Gjerdrum.
Melbo Øystese made the statement at a press conference at 3:00 PM in Gjerdrum.
“It is with great sadness that I must state that we no longer have any hope of finding people alive after the landslide at Gjerdrum,” she noted.
Thus, the police believe that ten people have lost their lives. Three are still missing after the landslide.
“We have done everything we can”
“The last week, we have done everything we can to save lives. We have examined all areas where it was possible to imagine that someone could survive.
“We have done everything in our power…
“Although we have no hope of finding more survivors, the search is not over. We are now moving into another phase, where we are working to find everyone who is missing,” Øystese said.
The police chief thanked all the crews who have worked around the clock to find the missing people. She also thanked the community for all the support they have received.
“But first and foremost, it is those who have been affected by the tragedy who are in focus.
“And even though the acute rescue phase is now over, we will do everything we can to help the inhabitants of Gjerdrum return to a fairly normal life again,” she concluded.
Mayor: This is a hard blow
Gjerdrum mayor Anders Østensen commented on the latest update from the police.
“This is a hard blow… But we were waiting for it,” Østensen said at the press conference.
It has now been almost a week since the landslide hit Gjerdrum.
Seven people have so far been found dead at the landslide site, while three people have still not been accounted for.
“It is very difficult to think of everyone who is affected. These are the heaviest aspects of this, and I am deeply affected,” Østensen said.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
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