Severe Flooding in Norrland Causes Major Infrastructure Disruptions
Severe flooding in Norrland, Sweden, has caused extensive infrastructure damage and transport disruptions.
Key Points
- • Heavy rainfall exceeds 100 mm, leading to significant flooding in Norrland.
- • Road 90 between Bollstabruk and Sollefteå has collapsed; around 30 roads damaged.
- • Passenger train services suspended between Sundsvall and Umeå due to high water levels.
- • Emergency services facing challenges accessing cut-off villages.
Norrland, Sweden, is grappling with severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall that occurred on September 7, 2025, leading to significant disruptions in transportation and the risk of further landslides. Reports indicate that rainfall exceeded 100 millimeters in some areas, causing extensive damage to roads and rail infrastructure across the region.
Key affected locations include Härnösand, Kramfors, Sollefteå, and Örnsköldsvik, where vital transport routes have been severely compromised. The collapse of Road 90, connecting Bollstabruk and Sollefteå, has resulted in closures while repairs are underway, according to Trafikverket's Peter Jonsson, who cautioned that conditions remain unstable with ongoing assessments needed.
Overall, nearly 30 roads are reported to be damaged, leading to limited access or total closures, which has particularly impacted school transportation for approximately 50 to 75 students in Kramfors. Additionally, passenger train services between Sundsvall and Umeå are suspended due to high water levels threatening track safety, and two trains have already derailed—one laden with timber, and the other carrying lithium and ammunition.
In Västernorrland county, around 40 roads have been either completely or partially washed away, further complicating travel for emergency services such as ambulances. Torbjörn Westman, preparedness director at the Västernorrland County Administrative Board, noted that entire villages have been cut off as a direct result of the flooding. Emergency recovery work is expected to last at least a week, with Trafikverket tasked with addressing the substantial damages across the affected areas.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, there is a growing concern about potential further landslides, prompting warnings for residents to remain vigilant in the days ahead.