STOCKHOLM: Scandinavia is grappling with the aftermath of heavy rains that have triggered landslides, flooding, and a spreading wildfire in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. The storm, named “Hans,” struck the Nordic countries over the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
In northwestern Sweden, the ski resort town of Are was severely affected as the Susabacken stream overflowed, unleashing mud and rocks that damaged roads and houses. Residents were advised to steer clear of the area. In Gothenburg, southwestern Sweden, flooding from the Gota river inundated the fishing harbour, impacting the local market.
The situation worsened in eastern Sweden when heavy rains led to a railway embankment collapse, causing two wagons of a passenger train to derail and leaving three people injured.
Series of Landslides in Norway
Meanwhile, Norway experienced a series of landslides in the southeast, resulting in the evacuation of more than 100 individuals. Weather agencies in both Sweden and Norway issued severe flooding alerts for various regions.
The relentless rains also disrupted transportation, leading to road closures, train cancellations, and ferry service interruptions.
Storm Winds in Denmark
Denmark faced its own set of challenges, as storm winds buffeted the northern part of the country. Danish police noted that strong winds hampered rescue efforts to extinguish a wildfire near Klitmoller, complicating firefighting operations.
As Scandinavia copes with the aftermath of the deluge and its associated consequences, authorities remain on high alert while monitoring weather patterns and coordinating response efforts to safeguard affected communities.
