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FLOODS

Solberg to visit flood devastation in Norway

Norway's Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, will visit Aurland in West Norway - weather permitting - to see the extent of this week's flood damage for herself, it was announced on Thursday.

Solberg to visit flood devastation in Norway
A house in Flåm destroyed by the heavy floods. Photo: Tore Meek / NTB scanpix

The Prime Minister is scheduled to make the visit on Saturday, reported NRK, but Solberg herself would not confirm the visit.

She said: “I'm looking at the possibilities of arranging a trip. But we'll have to see if it can be arranged practically.”

“I believe the whole of Norwegian society is paying attention to what’s happening. We have seen some horrible images. We will join to rebuild Odda, Flåm, Voss and Lærdal in future,” said Solberg.
 
The mayor of Aurland, Noralv Distad, also would not confirm if a visit from the Prime Minister would happen.
 
Distad said: “I just want to say that Prime Minister Erna Solberg is always welcome to Aurland.”
 
The local government of Aurland stated in a press release on Thursday evening that in Flåm, 13 houses are completely destroyed. 35 people have been given temporary accommodation and 15 people need long term residence.
 
The mayor of Lærdal, Jan Geir Solheim, did not receive notification that the Prime Minister will come at the weekend to visit his town.
 
Solheim says: “I will announce if she does come.”
 
It is thought the unpredictable weather in the region is one reason why noone will publicly confirm Solberg's visit, according to NRK.
 
Heavy rainfall is expected on Saturday and this may adversely affect flights to and from the area.

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