Large numbers of Easter tourists in the mountains and on skis kept Red Cross emergency workers busy during last week’s annual påskeferie (Easter holiday). Red Cross volunteers responded to 377 accidents and treated 980 injuries, according to Red Cross officials.
“The huge numbers of people heading outdoors this year is the main reason for the big increase,” Ole Gladsø, leader of the national council for the Red Cross volunteer corps. The amount of calls and injuries was double that of last year, he told news bureau NTB.
Clear blue skies and lots of sunshine in the mountains of southern Norway this year lured thousands out on the ski trails and slopes. Around 1,000 Red Cross volunteers were on hand to assist them, in the event of accidents.
The national mountain trekking association Den Norske Turistforeningen (DNT) also reported record numbers of overnight guests at many of their cabins and lodges around the country. Around 15,500 overnight stays were recorded during the Easter week, with some of the most popular lodges overfilled. No one is turned away, however, with some guests relegated to mattresses placed on the floors of public rooms.
newsinenglish.no staff
