Heavy rain prompts warning over sewage contaminated water

Weather service DMI has warned of possible cloudbursts and thunderstorms across large parts of Denmark, prompting the capital region utility company HOFOR to advise caution around flooded roads, basements and bathing water, DR reports.

HOFOR said people should secure valuables in basements and other vulnerable locations and travel carefully because roads and squares could become flooded.

The warning applies to Køge, Lejre, Roskilde and Solrød from 8am, and will be extended to the rest of the capital region from 11am.

If a cloudburst occurs, HOFOR advises people to avoid contact with sewage, avoid swimming in harbours or urban beaches, and watch out for loose manhole covers.

Thomas Jensen, head of wastewater operations at HOFOR, said the utility had begun emptying its systems and basins where possible after receiving the warning. The water is sent to treatment plants to reduce the risk of sewage or mixed sewage reaching the surface, he said.

DR weather presenter Simon Brix said the capital region was less likely to experience a cloudburst than other parts of the country, although heavy rain was still possible. Western and central Jutland face the greatest risk, with the heaviest rain and thunderstorms expected there and rainfall levels in many places close to cloudburst intensity.