Few serious rescue operations in the mountains this summer

The good weather in northern Norway has resulted in many missions for the Red Cross Relief Corps, but few serious rescue operations, the organization states in a press release.

A preliminary review of the aid corps’ efforts in large mountain areas shows that the need for help in the summer mountains has been at the same level as in recent years. From 1 May to 1 August, 55 actions were registered in Nordland, which is in line with previous years. Several hikers needed assistance after injuring themselves on rotten ice and snow on Svartisen, Norway’s second largest glacier.

In southern Norway, there have been several search operations and retrieval missions, including in connection with the flood in the Bø river in Telemark in mid-July, which required evacuation and the establishment of a first aid station.

In the most popular hiking areas, the need for extra effort has been relatively small, especially on Trolltunga, where preventive work has had a good effect. There has also been a lot of activity in Jotunheimen, especially around Galdhøpiggen and Besseggen. Oppland Hjelpekorps reports that although more people are seeking help, there have only been a couple of minor incidents in higher mountain areas this summer.

– More people call for help in time, which may be the reason for fewer large rescue missions, says operational manager Mats Holthe in Oppland.