Heavy rainfall causes significant damage in Seinäjoki region of Finland

Heavy rainfall over the weekend caused significant damage in the Seinäjoki region of Finland, with repairs currently ongoing. The storm affected local and state road networks, and pump stations in the embankment areas of the Kyrönjoki River. Juhani Huhtasaari, a water management expert from the ELY Centre, is currently working to pump water from fields in Ilmajoki. He stated it will take considerable time before the situation stabilizes.

The heaviest rains primarily impacted the Kurikka-Ilmajoki-Seinäjoki-Lapua area. According to official data from the ELY Centre, rainfall exceeded 100 millimeters in some locations during the weekend, but these measurements may not fully capture the actual amounts. Huhtasaari noted, “The rain was very localized,” mentioning reports of nearly 200 millimeters measured in Ilmajoki.

Traffic along Highway 67 has resumed near Tuomikylä in Ilmajoki after it was submerged. Contractors from Destia worked on Monday evening to excavate and reopen access from one building. Destia’s site manager, Ari Oravasaari, expressed relief as water began to flow in the right direction.

The situation in the fields remains concerning. Huhtasaari reported receiving numerous calls from worried farmers, as grains are submerged in water in some areas. While the water level is receding, it will be a while before fields dry out enough to support heavy machinery. Juha-Matti Toppari, the head of plant production for Pro Agria South Ostrobothnia, doubts that the crops submerged in water will be harvested, as quality has deteriorated.

Most grains in South Ostrobothnia have already been harvested, but potatoes are still in the ground. Although extensive potato farming is not conducted in the hardest-hit areas, fields are wet elsewhere as well. Toppari lamented last year’s difficulties, hoping for better outcomes this time around.