Landslide blocks County Road 6928 in Flatanger municipality, leaving residents isolated

A significant landslide has occurred in Flatanger municipality, where tons of rock have dislodged from a mountain and blocked County Road 6928. The incident took place on Tuesday at 8:41 PM, prompting an emergency response. Fortunately, most of the debris halted before reaching the road, but residents of the Utvorda village are currently unable to pass by with vehicles.

Mayor Olav Jørgen Bjørkås reported that 20 individuals are affected by the road closure, describing the isolation as distressing. He noted the community’s familiarity with such events, as the road was closed for two months last year due to similar landslides.

While there is a pathway through the fields to circumvent the landslide, there are no alternative transport options available at this time. “If you need to go to work, you have to find a way out. If not, I suggest taking it easy in the morning,” Bjørkås advised. Geologists evaluated the site on Wednesday morning and determined that the volume of rock that had collapsed qualifies as a mountain avalanche. Following another small landslide just before 11 AM, authorities warned against entering the affected area.

By Wednesday afternoon, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration decided to keep the road closed until a further assessment is made on November 8. The mayor expressed uncertainty about when debris removal will commence. Remarkably, no injuries were reported during the landslide, though one individual did damage their vehicle while navigating the hazardous area before the road was officially closed. The landslide has disrupted fiber optic lines, but mobile service remains operational. Flatanger municipality has faced similar isolation challenges from landslides in the past.