A large-scale search continues in the rugged terrain of Telemark, Norway, for a woman in her forties reported missing after a training trip. The operation, involving nearly 60 personnel, entered its second day with rescue teams maintaining hope of finding her alive.
The woman from Skien was reported missing on Sunday after failing to return from a training session in the Tokke area. Her car was located on a parking lot near Ravnejuv, a known gorge. The search is concentrated on the challenging route between Ravnejuvsvingen and LĂ¥rdalsstigen, an area characterized by steep cliffs and difficult ground.
Operations leader Roger Aaser stated that the search is proceeding with full force. He explained that teams are covering both marked trails and accessible off-trail terrain. A drone has been deployed since Sunday night, scanning points of interest like lookout points, but no items linked to the missing person have been found.
Rescue groups involved include the Norwegian Red Cross, Norwegian Rescue Dogs, the Norwegian Alpine Rescue Group, and Civil Defense. A police helicopter and other police resources are also part of the effort. Stian Storstrøm Michelsen, operational leader for Telemark Red Cross, emphasized the difficult conditions. He was part of the search team overnight.
'The terrain is extremely demanding. It's incredibly steep,' Michelsen said. He described the marked hiking trails as passable but noted many slopes require rope safety systems. Specialized teams from the Alpine Rescue Group and the Red Cross are handling the most hazardous cliffs.
Weather has significantly worsened the situation. Recent snowfall has covered icy ground, creating very slippery conditions. Michelsen stressed that maintaining safety for the search teams requires substantial manpower, as a misstep on the steep slopes could be dangerous. The onset of darkness further complicates the operation, slowing progress and demanding more resources to ensure team safety.
Michelsen confirmed that the search will continue through the day. No assessment has been made to scale down the operation or redirect it elsewhere. The Red Cross expects more volunteers to join after people finish work and school, providing a steady stream of support.
'We still hope to find her alive. That has not changed,' Michelsen added, reflecting the determined attitude of all involved. This incident highlights the inherent risks of outdoor activities in Norway's mountainous regions, even on established trails. It also showcases the robust, volunteer-dependent civil preparedness system common across the Nordic countries, where specialized organizations collaborate seamlessly with police during emergencies. The community's rapid mobilization is a testament to this model, though the harsh environment remains a formidable opponent for rescuers.