Northern Sweden is grappling with severe flooding that has left many roads destroyed and disrupted train services between Sundsvall and Umeå. Authorities are working tirelessly to assess and repair the damage, which could take weeks. The situation has isolated some communities, complicating access to essential services like home care and ambulance support.
Severe Flooding in Northern Sweden: Roads and Railways Severely Damaged
Severe Flooding in Northern Sweden: Roads and Railways Severely Damaged
Efforts are ongoing to assess the damage following the rain chaos in northern Sweden. Many roads are completely destroyed, making it difficult for residents to receive home care and ambulance services.
"Municipalities are working to reach areas where roads are impassable," says Torbjörn Westman, emergency director at the County Administrative Board of Västernorrland.
Around 40 roads were closed on Sunday due to flooding, with many roadways completely washed away.
The Swedish Transport Administration is still working to understand the full extent of the damage.
"We are working intensively to check all roads. We prioritize making the major roads, and the smaller ones without alternative routes, passable," says Denny Josefsson, press officer at the Swedish Transport Administration.
Restoration Could Take Several Weeks
Two trains derailed, halting all train traffic between Sundsvall and Umeå. The damage to the tracks is extensive, and the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority has been called in to investigate the incident, according to SR Ekot.
"A lot needs to be fixed before trains can run there again. It will probably take two to three weeks before everything is ready," says Denny Josefsson.
Smaller villages have been isolated as road connections were washed away. Thommy Carlson from the village of Järvberget in the northern part of Örnsköldsvik municipality reported to Expressen about being stranded with about 20 people.
"Several hundred meters of the road are completely washed away," he says.
Concerns for Ambulance and Home Care Services
Emergency director Torbjörn Westman says there may still be a small number of isolated individuals.
"It will probably take at least this week, maybe longer, before everything is restored," he says.
The biggest issue for community services like home care and ambulance is that they must take detours to reach their destinations.
Municipalities have informed him that they are working to reach potentially isolated areas.
"In the worst case, you might have to use a tracked vehicle or similar if there is no passable road," says Torbjörn Westman.