Large cornices can fall down – evacuates Nybyen until further notice
Based on assessments from Skred AS and NVE, the Governor has decided to evacuate the buildings on the upper side of the road in Nybyen until further notice. The evacuation must be completed by 18.00 on Friday. At the same time, a ban on residence and traffic will be introduced in the area.
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Large cornices have built up along the top of Gruvefjellet. Some of the cornices are five to seven meters high. If these fall down, they can hit the buildings. They can also trigger avalanches in the mountainside.
- There is great uncertainty associated with when and if the cornices can loosen and fall down. This depends, among other things, on temperature, sun and snow conditions. The consequences can be great if they reach the buildings, says Governor Kjerstin Askholt.
- We have therefore decided to evacuate the buildings on the upper side of the road in Nybyen and introduce a traffic and residence ban in the area until the cornices no longer will be a threat, she says.
The basis for assessing the probability of cornices falling is more difficult than for assessing the probability and size of flake landslides.
- Together with Skred AS, NVE and the Longyearbyen local council, we will make weekly assessments of the situation and the evacuation and the traffic and residence ban, but we emphasize that it is very uncertain when this can be lifted. Consideration for life and health always comes first, says Governor Kjerstin Askholt.
Together with Skred AS, NVE and the Longyearbyen local council, the Governor reviewed the situation on Thursday afternoon. The Emergency Preparedness Council for Svalbard was briefed at a meeting on Friday morning. Also present at the meeting were those who own the buildings in the evacuation area, Skred AS and NVE.
- Longyearbyen local council has direct contact with all affected owns of the buildings and works to provide satisfactory solutions in a situation that we assume can be long-lasting, says administration manager Hege Walør Fagertun in Longyearbyen local council.
The time of evacuation on Friday is also linked to the weather forecast for the weekend. Strong winds and snow are expected.