A new landslide hit the E6 at Nordnes in Kåfjord overnight, blocking approximately 80 percent of the roadway south of the Nordnestunnelen. Local authorities evacuated six residents and one person from a nearby cabin as a precaution. According to the Kåfjord municipality and Statens vegvesen, no individuals were caught in the slide, but the road remains closed while experts assess the stability of the terrain.
Emergency response and evacuations
Kåfjord municipality has activated a psychosocial team to support those affected, including families with children. Beredskapsrådgiver Karin Karlsen noted that the evacuation was a difficult experience, particularly as the sound of rumbling from the mountainside could be heard while drones surveyed the area at night. The evacuees are residents from two specific properties identified in communal briefings, alongside a person staying in a nearby cabin.
Authorities are monitoring the color of local streams as a primary indicator of landslide risk. When streams run brown with sediment, it suggests active erosion and an increased threat, whereas clear water indicates that the ground is beginning to stabilize.
Why the landslide occurred
Statens vegvesen attributes the slide to rapid snowmelt caused by recent sustained high temperatures. While heavy rainfall is the most common trigger for such events, current conditions are driven by heat, according to Viggo Aronsen, section chief for Geofag at Statens vegvesen. The agency noted that this incident shares similar mechanisms with a previous slide that occurred on Sunday, which also caused significant closures on the E6.
The recurring nature of these slides highlights the vulnerability of the Nordnes area to rapid environmental shifts. By comparing this event to the Sunday slide, officials are identifying a pattern of instability that suggests the landscape is currently sensitive to temperature fluctuations rather than just precipitation, necessitating a cautious approach to reopening the E6.
What happens next
Statens vegvesen and NVE are coordinating a helicopter inspection on Wednesday to evaluate the broader area beyond the immediate slide path. Lars Nordås of Statens vegvesen confirmed that while the slide itself is small, officials remain concerned about ongoing movement in the valley. A decision regarding the reopening of the E6 is expected later in the day, pending a new assessment of the site conditions. As temperatures are forecast to drop, officials anticipate a corresponding decrease in the overall landslide risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the area evacuated?
Kåfjord municipality evacuated six residents and one cabin guest as a safety precaution after a landslide occurred near residential properties.
Is the E6 currently open?
No, the road remains closed after the slide covered approximately 80 percent of the road surface.
What is causing the landslides in Kåfjord?
According to Statens vegvesen, the primary cause is rapid snowmelt resulting from recent high temperatures, rather than heavy rainfall.
How do you feel about the safety measures currently in place for residents living near known landslide zones?
