Last body recovered following Norway's deadly landslide
Authorities in Norway say that nearly three months after one of the worst landslides in the country's history, search teams have found the body of the last person listed as missing in the rubble
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nearly three months after one of the worst landslides in modern Norway’s history, search teams have found the body of the last person listed as missing in the rubble, authorities said Monday.
In total, 10 people were killed in the landslide, which swept away homes in a residential area in the village of Ask on Dec. 30.
Seven of the victims were found shortly after the landslide and three people were reported missing. Two bodies were found on Feb. 9.
The landslide destroyed at least nine buildings with more than 30 apartments in the village, with about 5,000 residents located 25 kilometers (16 miles) northeast of Oslo
Authorities called off search and rescue efforts on Jan. 5, declaring that there was no hope of finding any survivors.
Police spokeswoman Mari Stoltenberg said remains of the last victim, who has not been identified, were found under quick clay, which can rapidly change from solid to liquid form when it is disturbed.
The exact cause of the landslide isn’t yet known. However, combined with excessive precipitation and damp winter weather, the quick clay may have contributed to the disaster.
In 2005, Norwegian authorities warned people not to construct residential buildings in the Ask area, saying it was “a high-risk zone” for landslides, but houses were built there later in the decade.