The entire neighbourhood around the four-year-old condominium building was still under evacuation orders Monday morning, but nearly 300 residents were told they could move home later in the day. Another 300 were still being prevented from returning.
Firefighters said gas pockets remained in the wreckage of the building, which was shoved eight meters off its foundation when hit by the tons of rock and dirt that slid down the hillside behind it.
Five residents on lower floors of the building remained unaccounted for, and are feared dead in the wreckage. Emergency crews have been unable to enter the building, because of its instability, the fire and the gas explosion danger.
The accident has shaken the west coast city best known for a fire in the early 1900s that resulted in a rebuilding featuring landmark Art Nouveau-style buildings throughout its downtown area.
The city has been in mourning for the five victims of the accident and those left homeless. Oluf Holm, for example, lost good neighbours and all he and his wife owned when they had to flee their stricken home.
Queen Sonja traveled to Ålesund on Saturday to attend a memorial service for the victims and meet with survivors and rescue crews.
