The Norwegian government present sent a letter to each of the 357 municipalities of the country calling for urgent reinforcement of emergency preparedness. Local governments are to update emergency plans, safe infrastructure, prepare for breaks
in deliveries and be able to guarantee continuity
services under war conditions.
Minister for Justice and Public safety
Astri Aas-Hansen stressed that local authorities must have timely and realistic plans in case of crisis. She added that it was the local authorities liable for maintaining the basic functions of the state at local level,
including water supply, healthcare and support
for the most susceptible groups.
The municipalities are to prepare to operate under energy and communications supply disruption conditions, including providing alternate means of communication and capacity to operate with limited resources. Cooperation between municipal services is to play a peculiar function
with the army. The readiness to adopt the evacuated population is to be developed.
– The most crucial task for municipalities is to be
able to supply services and execute its tasks as closely as possible to the average level as possible," she stressed
Aas-Hansen.
The Minister recalled that the municipalities are the axis of the "total defence" strategy – the Norwegian concept of the originating
from the Cold War era, establishing the collaboration of troops, civilian administration and civilians. After 2016, in consequence to the deterioration of the safety situation in Europe, this model was reinforced in Norway and is adapted to current threats.
In fresh days, the Norwegian media have revealed that since the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine, around
160 1000 places in shelters. little than half of the country's population is presently to have access to them.
APW, PAP
