Floodwaters still rising

Although the rainfall has subsided over most of Eastern Norway, the water level in larger rivers and lakes are still on the rise. More people have been evacuated, due to danger of flush floods.

Early Friday morning, 11 people were evacuated in Ringebu, after a mud and rockslide had brough down a power line and killed several sheep.

In major lakes, the water level is still on the rise, and will continue to do so for the next several days.

In the whole region, around 500 people have been evacuated from their homes, and many major roads and rails tracks have been severely damaged. Rail connections between Oslo and Trondheim are still broken, and so is the railroad between Hamar and Røros. NSB is not able to provide alternative transport by bus, since the roads are closed by floodwaters.

The Highway Department has adviced people in the region to drop any planned weekend drives.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg visited the flood damaged areas, and said we must be prepared for more flooding.

- It is not possible to do anything to stop the forces of the elements, but it is possible to take some preventive measures (against damage), he said.

So far, there are no reports of injuries, despite the massive destructon of homes and infrastructure.

(NRK)