Severe Flooding Hits Northern Sweden Amid Heavy Rainfall

Northern Sweden is currently experiencing intense flooding due to significant rainfall, particularly affecting the Västernorrlands län region and the village of Kubbe near Örnsköldsvik. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued a yellow rain warning for the area, forecasting further heavy rain on Thursday and Friday. Meteorologist Moa Hallberg cautioned that ongoing heavy rainfall could cause dangerously high water levels in local streams and rivers, exacerbating the already saturated ground conditions caused by previous rains.

In recent storms, up to 120 millimeters of rain fell in a very short time, leading to severe runoff conditions. The Anundsjöån river's water levels surged approximately four meters, prompting emergency services, known as Räddningstjänsten, to respond to hundreds of reports of flooding in the area since Monday. The team has been actively assisting residents by pumping out flooded basements and constructing sand barriers to protect properties at risk.

As the flooding escalates, approximately 15 homes have faced flooding challenges, and critical infrastructure, including a bridge over Anundsjöån, is now at risk of collapse. Local authorities are considering closing route 348, a significant roadway impacted by the rising water. A resident of Kubbe, Ida Ståhlberg, expressed her concern about the situation, stating the urgency to evacuate due to the rising water levels, which could soon compromise their homes.

Rescue leader Jörgen Seijsing reported that while no residents have needed rescues thus far, there is increasing urgency as many families evacuate their homes. Over 40 roads have been damaged, leading to a disruption in transportation and access in the region. With ongoing storms arriving from Poland and Germany, authorities including Trafikverket, are on high alert and prepared to respond to further developments in this precarious climate situation. The residents are anxiously looking forward to updates on the rainfall and potential returns to their homes as conditions remain uncertain.