Photos: chaos in Klaksvík after major landslides

Up to 300 homes in Klaksvík have been evacuated after a series of big landslides. Svínoy and Kunoy are also affected

19.12.2022 - 16:53

Klaksvík is in a state of emergency today as the melting snow caused rivers to flood, resulting in at least two big landslides.

Hundreds of residents in the upper parts of the east and west end of the city have been told to leave their homes as a safety precaution.

Skriðulop, Klaksvík

Caption:

Photo: Miroslava D. Klein

“We’re talking about up to 300 homes that are being evacuated,” says Johann Lützen, editor of Klaksvík’s local newspaper Norðlýsið.

Skriðulop, Klaksvík

Caption:

Photo: Jóhan Nolsøe

"This is quite chaotic. It’s almost like seeing scenes from a disaster movie. I have never seen anything like this in real life."

Many of the evacuated people have moved to other houses in the city, and others have taken shelter in the city’s sports hall.

Skriðulop, Klaksvík

Caption:

Photo: Oliver Joensen

Man dug out from debris

A man who found himself trapped under rocks and mud had to be dug out.

“I believe he was trying to dig his car free from the snow when he was caught in the landslide,” says Tórbjørn Hjelm, a neighbour who rushed out to help the man.

Skriðulop, Klaksvík

Caption:

Photo: Tórbjørn Hjelm

“My dad and I grabbed a couple of shovels and dug him out. Luckily, head was not covered by the debris. He was taken to hospital as he was in a state of shock.”

Watch a video from Klaksvík recorded by Miroslava D. Klein here.