Severe Flooding Disrupts Life Along Norrland Coast
Heavy rains have caused severe flooding along the Norrland coast, isolating communities and damaging infrastructure.
Key Points
- • Severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in Norrland's coastal region.
- • Residents report being cut off and unable to access essential services.
- • Emergency warnings issued as further rain is forecasted for the area.
- • Roads washed away, severely disrupting transportation and access.
Severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc along the Norrland coastline, particularly affecting areas between Kramfors and Bollstabruk. In what has been described as a natural disaster, substantial downpours began around 9 PM on Saturday and persisted throughout the night. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued yellow warnings for heavy rain, forecasting an additional 30-70 millimeters for Sunday, following an already devastating 40-80 millimeters.
Local residents are expressing their shock and frustration at the unusually high water levels, particularly in communities like Lillsela and Skorped. Mariana Karlsson, a resident of Holm near Örnsköldsvik, stated, “we couldn't take ourselves anywhere,” as the roadway outside her home transformed into a rushing stream, causing her to abandon a planned trip to Östersund. In addition to road damage, more than a few houses are reported to have flooded basements, and at least one vehicle has fallen into an opening created by road erosion.
In Lillsela, 64-year-old Petra Schuchlinski described her neighborhood as completely isolated, stating, “the main road is washed away,” raising concerns about access to medical care and food supplies. The ongoing extreme weather has caused critical disruptions, isolating villages and stranding residents without access to essential services.
Authorities have advised the public to stay off the roads due to flooding risks, and traffic officials have warned that recovery efforts will take considerable time. Additionally, a train derailment in the region carrying explosive cargo has contributed to public safety fears, though officials have stated it does not present a direct threat. As of now, the situation continues to evolve, with weather forecasts suggesting further rain which may exacerbate the existing conditions.