Torrential Rains Cause Widespread Flooding in South Sweden

The sky began to darken ominously in southern Sweden on July 5. Within minutes my backyard began flooding, and within a half hour major highways outside of Malmo were impassable, according to Kanal 4 News. Emergency crews were kept busy well into the night.

Motorists found themselves stranded on flood-covered roads from Malmo to Helsingborg. There was little advance warning to this downpour to prepare motorists. The Local, an online Swedish newspaper in English, reports that at least one person was found dead in her car just outside Helsingborg. She drowned, with only the top of her car visible above the water.

Many of my neighbors here in Tagarp experienced severe flooding in their homes. The emergency crew that responded to our neighborhood stated that this was a major problem all over Skane (Southern Sweden.) Tagarp is located in between Helsingborg and Malmo, the two cities that were hardest hit by the torrential rains. I was told by the emergency crew that the whole area was in a state of emergency and people were being asked to stay home and to call the SOS Alarm if they were in need of emergency services. With the main roadways under water, they said it would be almost impossible to reach one of the area hospitals on your own.

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) warned that there could be a further 20-30 millimeters of rainfall on Friday, with lighter rains continuing over the weekend. With the already soaked ground, there is no place for the new rain to run off. Area rivers are at all time highs. Crews are working around the clock to try to siphon out the sewer systems around highly populated areas.

Please be advised that if you have plans to visit the southern area of Sweden, please do postpone that until at least Tuesday. If you do find an area of road that is under water, do not try to drive through it. Turn your vehicle around and find another route. You may think your SUV will make it, but do not count on that. Too many times side currents are stronger than they appear and can sweep you into a very dangerous situation. With the Emergency Crews as swamped as they are, a quick rescue is not likely. It is best to detour as many times as necessary and make it safely than to try to beat Mother Nature and end up dead. It only takes as little as 2 feet of water to grab your vehicle and make off with it.

This is a good reminder to always keep a charged cell phone in your vehicle, even if it is just a pre-paid cheapie. This item could save your life in an emergency such as this flooding. Other items you should have in your car at all times are Flares, a blanket, first aid kit, rope, and bottled water.

http://www.thelocal.se/7810/20070706/

http://www.smhi.se/

http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/floods.php