Learning from crisis: The 2015 and 2017 avalanches in Longyearbyen

Are Kristoffer Sydnes,Maria Sydnes,Helle Hamnevoll

doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2020.105045

Are Kristoffer Sydnes, Maria Sydnes + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2020.105045

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Abstract

Longyearbyen has been hit by two avalanches in 2015 and 2017 causing severe damages to housing and two fatalities. In this study we investigate organised learning processes regarding emergency preparedness and response following the avalanches. Longyearbyen provides a case of particular interest as climatic change rapidly is altering the environmental conditions, including the risk of avalanches.First, the study outlines the organisation, scope and participation of learning processes, that is, who learns, when and what is the scope. Second we investigate whether the lessons learnt are single-loop or double-loop; if they focus on corrective actions of existing systems and policies, or if they address the more fundamental aspects, such as norms, strategies and policies. Third, we consider how contextual factors influence learning. Finally, we investigate how learning has been followed up by implementation. The study concludes that the first avalanche of 2015 led to a broad and inclusive evaluation and learning process and a series of recommended measures, including the establishment of an avalanche warning system. It also initiated a broader double-loop process of reassessing risks, redrawing the plans and maps of Longyearbyen, and raising physical preventive barriers. However, the second avalanche demonstrated the limitations of the established system in 2015. This spurred a range of corrective actions to the system, but also it established that in a time of climate change, historical experience no longer provides a basis for assessing risks.

Highlights

Svalbard is a high-Arctic archipelago located 700 km north of the Norwegian mainland, midway between continental Norway and the North Pole
We focus on the role of formal authorities: the Governor of Svalbard, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Direc torate (NVE), Longyearbyen Local Government and Longyearbyen Red Cross – key actors with regard to providing crisis response, and developing and implementing measures aimed at reducing the probability and impact of future avalanches and protecting the local community
The Governor shall follow up the work of Long yearbyen Local Government on public security through supervision, exercises and advice (Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security, 2016)

Summary

Introduction

Svalbard is a high-Arctic archipelago located 700 km north of the Norwegian mainland, midway between continental Norway and the North Pole. On Saturday morning, 19 December 2015, following a powerful storm, a naturally triggered avalanche swept down the slopes of Mt. Sukkertoppen, hitting part of Longyearbyen and causing two fatalities and many injuries. More than a year later, on meteorological conditions similar to those of December 2015, another avalanche from Sukkertoppen February 2017, hit two blocks of flats near to those that had been destroyed in the 2015 avalanche. But the Governor of Svalbard ordered parts of the town evacuated. These two avalanches of 2015 and 2017 are historically unprecedented, as no previous avalanches from Sukkertop pen had resulted in major infrastructure damage (Hancock et al, 2018)

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