The powerful spring flood has prompted SMHI (the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute) to issue warnings for high water levels and flooding in the lower Torne River in Norrbotten. However, according to Hugo Rudebeck, it appears that the upstream flows near Haparanda are starting to reach their peak during the night and morning.
– We need more measurements, but it seems that the water levels are no longer rising, he states.
– Nevertheless, the flows are still very high, so even if they remain stable, the situation remains serious. The warning will continue to be in effect.
In Övertorneå, the water has receded by approximately 10 centimeters overnight, as reported by rescue chief Roland Mäki.
–We're moving in the right direction, and it's encouraging to see positive figures, he comments.
Significant number of unreported cases
– People are accustomed to the spring flood, but this year's flood was exceptionally severe. I have never experienced such a substantial volume of water, he admits.
- Some individuals have contacted SOS Alarm or dialed 112 for assistance, but there is likely a significant number of unreported cases where people have attempted to mitigate the damages themselves.
Residents along the Torne testify that they have not experienced similar flows in over 50 years. Now they compare with measurements from 1968, where Kukkolankoski/Kukkolaforsen had flows of 3.6 million liters of water per second.
On Monday, the municipality announced that the school bus will be affected in the next few days as several roads are closed. Flood victims are asked to avoid going to the toilet as the municipality's sewage facilities have been affected.
The outdoor swimming pool in Övertorneå is also completely flooded and the forecast is that it will have to be closed for the entire season. Flood water has pushed under the structure, which has been lifted several decimetres.
For householders the primary issue revolves around water infiltrating basements in houses and cottages.
– I hesitate to estimate how many summer cottages have been affected, but there will be many. Insurance companies will undoubtedly receive numerous claims from individuals who have suffered property damage, he remarks.
– We hope the water recedes swiftly, allowing for the reopening of closed roads and facilitating damage assessment. We also have an outdoor pool where the concrete foundation has been lifted by water pressure, so it remains uncertain if it will be usable for swimming this summer.
"Critical" situation
Haparanda's rescue chief, Fredrik Wuopio, concurs that the peak of the spring flood is imminent.
– The situation is still critical, characterized by extremely high water levels, he warns.
– However, I believe we may have reached the peak or will do so during the day. Nonetheless, it is important to note that the danger is not yet eliminated, as there is still potential for significant developments.
Swedish words to remember: vårfloden (spring flood), sommarstugor (summer cottages)
