Climate

Flooding in Töölönlahti Caused by Construction Work Disrupts Water Flow

File photo by Óðinn from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5 ca

Water has flooded parts of Töölönlahti in central Helsinki this week, submerging jogging paths and reaching as far as the light traffic route near the southern end of the bay. The flooding, which emerged earlier this week, was caused by a temporary disruption in the water connection between Töölönlahti and Eläintarhanlahti due to ongoing flood protection renovations.

Töölönlahti, a sea bay north of the city center, experienced rising water levels after construction work at a nearby site closed the channel linking it to Eläintarhanlahti. Helsingin Sanomat reports that the closure, combined with heavy rainfall at the start of the week, led to the flooding. Project manager Juuso Luoto of the Urban Environment Division confirmed that the water connection was reopened on Tuesday afternoon, though the water level is expected to take time to recede (Helsingin Sanomat).

By Wednesday morning, jogging paths in Töölönlahti Park—situated between Finlandia Hall and the railway—were partially underwater. Yle notes that the flooding resulted from a planned week-long closure of the water channel, during which a protective wall was installed to prevent water turbidity, and bored piles for retaining walls were completed. Luoto acknowledged that monitoring of the water level on the southern shore had been insufficient, contributing to the oversight (Yle).

Previous Controversies at the Construction Site

The flood protection project, which aims to improve flood defenses with new gates and pumping stations, has faced criticism in the past. Last October, the site was found to have conducted gravel filling and embankment work without the required permits. Shortly afterward, residents reported thousands of fish trapped in the channel between the bays due to the construction activity (Yle).

Local activists and organizations have long opposed the flood protection measures, arguing against the implementation of the structures. The project is scheduled to continue until autumn 2027 (Iltalehti).

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