Evacuating in Nybyen until Monday morning
Based on assessments from Skred AS and the weather forecasts, the Governor has decided to evacuate the buildings on the upper side of the road in Nybyen until Monday morning. The evacuation must be completed by 19.00 on Saturday. At the same time, a ban on residence and traffic will be introduced on the upper side of all buildings from the south side of Spisshusene to the south end of the buildings in Nybyen. See map. Road 100 on the east side of Longyeardalen will be closed from Longyearbyen school / the old hospital to the intersection in Nybyen.
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The decision on evacuation and a ban on residence and traffic was made at a meeting between the Governor, Skred AS, NVE and the Longyearbyen local council on Saturday at 13.00. A new assessment of the situation will be made on Monday morning.
There is still unstable snow cover and a risk of avalanches in the area. At the same time, strong winds from the east and some snow are expected in the next 24 hours. Based on these conditions, Skred AS recommends evacuation of the area, as well as a ban on residence and traffic and closure of the road.
There will be access to Nybyen from Vei 300 on the west side of Longyeardalen.
The traffic and residence ban also means that the snowscooter trail from the south side of Spisshusene to the southern end of Nybyen is closed.
Longyearbyen local council notifies those who will be evacuated.
There is a significant avalanche danger - danger level 3 - on Nordenskiöld Land and a large avalanche danger - danger level 4 - in Svalbard east and south. The Governor asks people who are out in the terrain to take their precautions and follow www.varsom.no.
You will find information on decisions on evacuation and other measures in the event of an avalanche hazard in Longyeardalen on the websites of Longyearbyen local council and the Governor.