Dam Partially Collapses in Norway Amidst Storm Hans Chaos

Widespread Flooding and Landslides Grip the Nation, Eastern and Central Norway on Red

In the wake of the devastating Storm Hans, which has left a trail of chaos across northern Europe, a dam in Norway has partially collapsed, adding to the nation's ongoing challenges. As Norway battles record high river levels, extensive flooding, and landslides triggered by the storm, parts of both eastern and central Norway remain on red alert.

The critical situation unfolded at the Braskereidfoss hydroelectric power plant when a section of the dam succumbed to the immense pressure of the Glåma River, the country's longest. Norwegian authorities were even considering the controlled demolition of the dam to prevent further catastrophe, as water from the river began breaching the side of the structure.

Tragedy struck as a woman in her 70s lost her life after falling into a stream, and hundreds of individuals had to be evacuated from the Innlandet district, including the area around Braskereidfoss. The severity of the situation forced the closure of all major roads between Oslo and Trondheim, leaving the transportation network paralyzed.

Pål Erik Teigen, Chief of Staff at the Innlandet police district, shared the dire conditions they faced: "We have many landslides all over, we have homes being taken, evacuated a lot of people, all the roads are closed and all the rivers are overflowing." He emphasized the unprecedented nature of this crisis, further stating, "It's a big crisis for us. I've never seen anything like it."

Hafslund Eco, the owner of the power plant, explained that a fault at Braskereidfoss had allowed water to infiltrate the facility, which is equipped with two large turbines and a dam featuring floodgates. The company's statement revealed that extensive measures had been contemplated, including blasting, to divert the water from the storm-swollen Glåma River. However, the decision was ultimately made to allow the water to flow through the breached dam.

The Norwegian government's hydrology institute, NVE, warned that significant portions of eastern and central Norway remained under red alert due to rivers reaching record levels. Hydrologist Tuomo Saloranta cautioned that the water levels in numerous water bodies were still on the rise.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who personally assessed the affected regions, acknowledged the enormous challenge facing the nation. "When the rain stops, another challenge begins: the water needs to get out," he remarked. As emergency response efforts intensify, Norway grapples with the aftermath of Storm Hans, striving to restore stability amidst the widespread devastation.