Norway hit by massive landslide that carried homes into the sea

On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Norway experienced a major geological event: a sudden landslide swept away a coastal area equivalent to 14 football fields, carrying several homes into the sea. Fortunately, thanks to the prompt action of rescuers, residents were evacuated before the disaster struck, avoiding injuries and fatalities.

Video: https://t.me/cyprusfaq/6472

The landslide was so powerful that it literally engulfed several residential buildings, which were submerged along with the earth.

Although official data on the exact number of affected homes is not yet available, the destruction was clearly significant — rescue services appear to have responded in time to evacuate the residents.

Such massive landslides, triggered by rapid and extensive geological changes — particularly in areas with sedimentary soils — are not uncommon in northern regions. For example, in June 2020, a landslide occurred in the municipality of Alta (Krokneset area, northern Norway) on so-called “quick clay” soils. Around eight buildings were swept into the sea, but, as in this case, people were evacuated safely with no casualties.

Later that year, on December 30, 2020, a quick clay landslide near Oslo in the village of Ask destroyed numerous houses and claimed 10 lives.

What is “quick clay”

In Norway and neighboring countries, soils made of so-called “quick clay” pose particular dangers. This clay, formed during the last ice age, remains stable for long periods but, when its structure is disturbed (for example, by vibration or moisture), it turns into a fluid, flowing mass capable of rapid collapse, causing landslides.

Despite technological advances and monitoring of hazardous zones, such geological events can occur suddenly and cause serious damage. In the Alta case, although the landslide was highly destructive, casualties were avoided, indicating an improved level of preparedness by local authorities.