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Norway landslide: Aerial footage shows devastation in Alta after homes swept out to sea

A powerful landslide pushed eight houses into the sea off northern Norway: AP
A powerful landslide pushed eight houses into the sea off northern Norway: AP

This aerial footage shows the aftermath of a devastating landslide in Norway, which forced residents to run for their lives as houses were swept out to sea.

A huge section of land - around 800 metres wide - shifted in the town of Alta on Wednesday, forcing locals to flee to the hills.

Despite damaging properties, no injuries were reported and a pet dog who was pushed out into the water managed to swim back to shore.

Several minor landslides followed the major earth shift, and nearby houses were temporarily evacuated.

A powerful landslide pushed eight houses into the sea off northern Norway (AP)
A powerful landslide pushed eight houses into the sea off northern Norway (AP)

Resident Jan Egil Bakkedal had just prepared himself a sandwich when he heard a huge noise.

He realised the earth was shifting and attempted to film the phenomena.

Falling rocks at the bay near Alta, Norway (AP)
Falling rocks at the bay near Alta, Norway (AP)

However, he was quickly forced to stop and said he "ran for my life” into surrounding hills, as his house washed away.

Local police told Norwegian news agency NTB that the landslide was between 650 metres and 800 metres (2,145-2,640 feet) wide and up to 40 metres (132 feet) high.

The scene of a landslide near Alta, Arctic Norway (AP)
The scene of a landslide near Alta, Arctic Norway (AP)

Police spokesman Torfinn Halvari said a car was swept away in the landslide, but no one was injured. A dog that ended up in the sea was able to swim back to land and is safe, he said.

The far end of the cape where the landslide occurred was closed off, with Alta mayor Monica Nielsen saying that “the extent of the damage is considerable, and there’s a lot of debris.”

Work got underway to ensure that the rubble didn’t end up in shipping lanes.