The residents of the Norwegian municipality of Stranda have been living in the shadow of a disaster for almost two decades. Above the towns located near the fjord is the Åknesset mountain. A rock crack has formed on its slope, which is getting bigger every year. Scientists are monitoring this phenomenon and are warning of the consequences of a giant landslide that could trigger a giant tsunami wave.
Scientists predict that the mountain, which lies near the Norwegian municipality of Stranda, will collapse into the sea. This will trigger a tsunami that will threaten nearby towns. For decades, the eastern slope of the mountain has been gradually destabilizing. According to experts, the mountain is sliding by an average of 10 centimeters per year.
– It's very suspicious. It worries us when we see this kind of change in the mountains because it could mean problems, says Lars Harald Blikra, section manager at the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate.
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In 2016, the Norwegian Civil Defense Directorate estimated that 54 million cubic meters of rock could fall into the nearby fjord. The water level would instantly rise by several meters. Surrounding villages would be flooded. Two towns at the end of the fjord would be hit by a wave of 70 or even -80 meters.
– The tsunami wave will start to spread across the fjord. Will it be high or low? Who knows? Maybe it will flood us quickly or maybe slowly. We can't predict that, says Geir Gjørva, a shipping agent who grew up in Geiranger.
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It wouldn't be the first time
In 1934, three million cubic meters of rocks slid into the water, flooding several towns. All because of the tsunami. That event inspired the 2015 film “The Wave.”
– We are not here for fun. This is real life. There is a high probability that a major incident may occur that could pose a serious threat to society and we really need to monitor the situation to have control over the processes taking place, says Lars Harald Blikra.
Sensors inside and instruments on the surface measure any movement of the mountain so that in case of an emergency they can raise an alarm. Geologists say that the mountain will “send out warning signals” before it collapses, giving residents time to evacuate.
Emergency plans are ready, and the authorities claim they are prepared. – When it comes to the health and lives of the residents, we feel quite safe. In addition, there are also material values at stake. Nevertheless, I think that evacuating a large number of residents from a small area is a nightmare for every mayor – comments Einar Arve Nordang, mayor of Stranda.
Experts are looking for ways to slow down the mountain's slide. Among other things, they are pumping water into the mountain. As they say, water is like lubrication for rocks. However, these solutions are complicated and expensive. Some residents argue that it is better not to think about it too often.
– We are about 30-40 meters above sea level. It is certain that if the wave reaches 90 meters, we will be underwater. So we cannot live with this thought in our heads all the time. It is impossible to live like this – sums up Olav Arne Merok, a retiree who has spent his entire life in Geiranger.
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Main image source: CNN