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Friday, March 29, 2024

Flood damage estimates rise

Torrential rain in the mountains of western Norway set off massive flooding in several areas, especially around Årdal and Voss, that closed roads, set off landslides and damaged many homes and businesses. Local officials fear damage that will cost more than NOK 100 million to repair.

It was the worst flooding in 50 years that forced closure of the public culture and entertainment complex in Voss, left cars half-submerged in Evanger and one local shop owner in tears as she waded through water that’s ruining pre-holiday business.

Claims were literally pouring into insurance companies on Monday, also from homeowners after floodwaters flowed over their property, into cellars and other living areas. “The overall extent of the flood is less than feared,” Line Marcelius of insurance firm Gjensidige told state broadcaster NRK, “but for many of those affected, the damage is severe.”

Several roads were also closed either by flooding or landslide risk. They included roads around Ulvik, Årdal, Kvam and Kinsarvik. The main train line between Oslo and Bergen also was closed on Friday but reopened after around eight hours.

NewsinEnglish.no staff

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