Heavy rainfall causes multiple road collapses across Finland
Record-breaking rainfall over the weekend has led to widespread road collapses in several regions, particularly in Pirkanmaa and Central Finland. The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) reports that 50–100 millimeters of rain fell in these areas, with the highest measurement recorded in Karhila, Multia, where 114.2 millimeters had accumulated by Sunday morning. This exceeds the average July rainfall of 75 millimeters for the entire country (Helsingin Sanomat).
The heavy downpours, which began on Saturday and continued into Sunday, have caused significant damage to smaller gravel roads. Traffic management company Fintraffic has confirmed collapses in multiple locations, including Ylöjärvi, Saarijärvi, Multia, Keuruu, Ikaalinen, Ruovesi, and Somero. In some areas, roads have been completely washed away, while others remain closed due to flooding.
In Multia, resident Ari Salonen described the damage as unprecedented. "I have never seen such rain in Multia in my lifetime," he told Ilta-Sanomat. Salonen reported that Soutujoki Road had collapsed over a 100-meter stretch, with the damage reaching several meters deep. He also noted that water levels near his lakeside cabin rose by about one meter overnight, damaging docks and other structures.
Affected roads and closures
Fintraffic has listed several road sections that have either collapsed or been closed due to flooding:
- Keuruu: Road 621 between Keuruu and Liesjärvi, and road 6215 between Yltiänjärvi and Ähtäri
- Saarijärvi: Roads 16831 (Harju–Matinpuro), 16779 (Nikara–Mahla), and a section between Kuoppalankylä and Pajumäki
- Multia: Roads 16517 (Hirvikylä–Valkama), 16521 (Soutujoki–Saikanjoki), and Tarhapääntie (near the intersection with Soutujokentie)
- Ylöjärvi: Road 2763 (Mäihälahde–Virojärvi)
- Ikaalinen: Road section between Mäihälahti and Virojärvi
- Ruovesi: Road section between Hanho and Enoranta
- Somero: Road section between Koski and Somero (Ilta-Sanomat, Helsingin Sanomat)
Fintraffic’s Tampere road traffic center confirmed to Helsingin Sanomat that the collapses were caused by the persistent heavy rainfall, which has now begun to ease as the low-pressure system moves eastward. The FMI forecasts that weather conditions will gradually improve, with drier conditions spreading from the west. However, authorities continue to monitor the situation as repairs begin.