Miraculous Rescue: Man Survives Seven Hours Buried Under Avalanche in Norway

A man, who has not yet been identified, was rescued after being buried under an avalanche for nearly seven hours in Lyngen, Northern Norway. The incident occurred during a ski tour with a small group of tourists in a region that had been flagged for a high risk of avalanche activity.

Local reports indicate that the man, in his 40s or 50s, was found alive in the early hours following the avalanche, buried beneath approximately 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) of snow. Remarkably, he had managed to create an air pocket that allowed him to survive and even contact emergency services during his entrapment.

Dr. Audun Hetland, an avalanche researcher from the Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø, highlighted the extraordinary nature of this survival. “People buried under snow in an avalanche rarely survive past 10 minutes due to asphyxiation. While some have survived longer, a seven-hour survival is almost unique,” he explained to local media outlet iTromsø.

Kristian Midtgard, a dog handler who was instrumental in the rescue along with his dog, Whisky, expressed his astonishment at the man's survival. He stated, “It was very surprising that he was still alive. All the statistics and experience say that it’s not possible when you stay buried for so long.”

The Mayor of Lyngen, Erik Larsen, also described the rescue as “a miracle.”

The tourist was part of a trio of foreign visitors when the avalanche struck. One member of the group was swept away by the snow into the waters of a nearby fjord. Fortunately, that individual managed to swim to safety and was able to contact authorities for help. Rescue teams are actively searching for a woman from the group, who remains unaccounted for.

Details regarding the nationalities of the tourists have not yet been disclosed. Local authorities continue to stress the importance of safety and caution in avalanche-prone areas. This incident underscores the unpredictable and potentially dangerous nature of outdoor activities in regions susceptible to such natural events.

Emergency responders and avalanche specialists remind outdoor enthusiasts to stay informed about conditions and heed warnings in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.