Most of the gravel roads damaged by heavy rain in Central Finland have been repaired and reopened to traffic

Only one remains closed

HELSINKI — Most of the gravel roads in Central Finland damaged by heavy rain during the weekend have been repaired and reopened to traffic, the Regional Council of Central Finland announced on Tuesday.

The weekend’s exceptional rainfall caused extensive road collapses and flood damage, forcing several roads to close. Roads in Keuruu, Multia, Saarijärvi and Kannonkoski were affected, with additional damage reported elsewhere in Finland.

Repairs began on Sunday evening, and most routes were reopened by then. Work continued into the early part of the week on some sections. As of Tuesday, only one road remains closed: Soutujoentie in Multia, between Sydänmaanaho and Valkama.

According to the council, Soutujoentie collapsed along a 100-metre stretch. Current estimates suggest the road could reopen by Friday.

Multia recorded the highest rainfall in Finland over the weekend, with 120 millimetres falling in less than 24 hours.