Hundreds of Oslo residents remain displaced after a major rockslide hit the Carl Berner area. Over 300 people were evacuated Sunday evening when a 20-meter wide section of hillside collapsed near student housing.
Residents of Sukkertoppveien 1-5 have now received permission to return home. Students living in the SiO student housing block must wait longer for clearance. Officials have not provided a timeline for their return.
Geologists from Oslo municipality assessed the area Sunday night. They determined buildings both above and below the landslide zone should remain evacuated. A smaller rockslide occurred in the same area Monday morning.
The site represents an older rock cutting, likely blasted out to prepare the land before housing construction. According to geological experts, the rock mass that broke loose Sunday exceeded what the existing safety nets could contain.
A 2009 risk analysis for the area specifically warned about falling rocks and larger rock masses. The report noted that small stones, individual blocks, and larger rock sections could detach from the hillside.
The same analysis claimed development following current regulations would not pose notable risk. The recent events suggest existing safety measures proved inadequate for actual conditions.
Why are students being treated differently from other residents? Officials have not explained why student housing residents face extended evacuation while neighbors return home. The disparity raises questions about safety standards and communication transparency.
Geologists continue monitoring the unstable hillside. Their findings will determine when all evacuated residents can safely return.