The Royal Court of Norway has issued a statement from King Harald following the landslide in Gjerdrum on Wednesday, 30 December 2020.

The night’s avalanche accident in Gjerdrum has made a deep impression on me and my family. My thoughts are with everyone who is affected, injured, has lost their home and who now lives in fear and uncertainty about the full extent of the disaster. In a situation that is still confusing, I send my deepest hope and my warmest condolences to all those affected by the disaster.   

At the same time, I would like to thank all the emergency services, the municipalities in the immediate area and volunteers for their great efforts in very demanding conditions. 

King Harald V of Norway

The huge landslide in the Norwegian village of Gjerdrum, about 25 kilometres (15 miles) north-east of the capital Oslo, has buried several homes under dark mud, injuring 10 people, with more than 20 still missing.

According to BBC News, Police said some people were ‘feared to be trapped in mud and debris.’

According to the police, the landslide began during the early hours of Wednesday when residents calling emergency services telling them their houses were moving, following two massive tremors.

About 900 people have been evacuated from the village after the power suddenly went out.