Storm fells trees onto dozens of graves in Tohmajärvi cemetery

Cleanup efforts are underway at Tohmajärvi’s old cemetery in North Karelia after Storm Alina toppled around a dozen large pine trees onto graves this week, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

Two forestry workers spent Friday morning clearing the damage, carefully removing fallen trees that had collapsed onto headstones. While dozens of gravestones were knocked over or displaced, none appeared to have cracked or broken, according to the Central Karelia parish.

“Unfortunately, we sometimes have to drive the tractor over the graves,” said Jukka Kosonen, one of the workers. “I believe the families will understand.”

The storm’s impact was less severe than feared. Though decorations were scattered, the main concern—damaged headstones—was avoided. By Friday, dozens of visitors had already checked on their relatives’ graves.

“Old trees create atmosphere, but this is the downside. A regrettable accident,” said Vesa Väistö, who inspected his grandparents’ headstone.

Parish officials noted that storm damage at cemeteries is common, despite preventive measures. Ari Ainola, head of park maintenance for the Central Karelia parish, explained that while risky trees are removed when decay is detected, storms remain unpredictable.

“Every time, there’s a chance a tree has fallen somewhere,” Ainola said.

Last summer, a storm felled about 40 trees at Rääkkylä’s Nieminen cemetery, the worst damage Ainola recalled in the region. Though some headstones were buried up to 30 centimetres deep, most remained intact.

The parish does not insure headstones, as they are privately owned, but will reset toppled stones free of charge. Ainola urged families to avoid restricted areas during cleanup and assured swift removal of fallen trees.