Understanding the Concerns of Residents in Nuugaatsiaq and Illorsuit
Naalakkersuisoq Iddimanngiiu Jensen Bianco acknowledges the deep longing felt by residents of Nuugaatsiaq and Illorsuit to return to their homes.
“I understand the yearning to come back, and I truly empathize with your desire to live in your own home,” she remarked. “However, it’s crucial to emphasize that our primary responsibility as the government is to ensure the safety of our citizens. Based on this concern, we do not currently recommend that residents move back.”
The Ongoing Threat of Landslides
Over the past five years, the Department of Business and Raw Materials has implemented two permanent monitoring systems at Umiammakku Nunaat and Kangerluarsuk, with daily oversight provided by geologists. The emergency commission in Greenland has identified a potential risk of landslides in Umiammakku Nunaat, located in Karrat Fjord near Nuugaatsiaq.
Such a landslide could lead to a devastating tsunami, posing a significant threat to both Illorsuit and Nuugaatsiaq. “Recent studies indicate that there is a risk, both short-term and long-term, that the mountain could collapse, triggering a tsunami that could impact Illorsuit,” Jensen Bianco noted.
The investigation into landslide risks has been ongoing since 2017, and this year’s findings are expected to be released soon. “The investigations will continue, and we are hopeful that they will provide insight into whether conditions have changed or if the area remains hazardous,” Jensen Bianco concluded.
As the community waits for further updates, the safety and well-being of its residents remains at the forefront of governmental efforts.