Norway calls on citizens to prepare in case of war

On Tuesday, the Norwegian government sent a letter to each of the country's 357 municipalities calling for an urgent strengthening of crisis preparedness. Local governments are to update crisis plans, secure infrastructure, prepare for supply disruptions and be able to ensure continuity of services in times of war.

Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen emphasized that local authorities must have up-to-date and realistic plans in the event of a crisis. She added that local governments are responsible for maintaining basic state functions at the local level, including water supplies, health care and support for the most vulnerable groups.

Municipalities are to prepare to operate in conditions of disruptions in energy and communications supplies, including providing alternative means of communication and the ability to function with limited resources. Cooperation between municipal services and the army is to play a special role. Readiness to accept the evacuated population is to be developed.

– The most important task for municipalities is to be able to provide services and perform their tasks as close to normal levels as possible – emphasized Aas-Hansen.

The minister reminded that municipalities are the axis of the “total defense” system – a Norwegian concept originating from the Cold War, assuming cooperation between the army, civilian administration and the civilian population. After 2016, in response to the deterioration of the security situation in Europe, this model was strengthened in Norway and is being adapted to current threats.

In recent days, Norwegian media have revealed that approximately 160,000 people have died since the outbreak of a full-scale war in Ukraine. places in shelters. Currently, less than half of the country's population is expected to have access to them.

From Oslo Mieszko Czarnecki (PAP)

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