Seinäjoki faces severe flooding as heavy rainfall overwhelms sewer systems in Finland

Weekend heavy rainfall has put Seinäjoki’s sewer systems under significant stress. The emergency services have faced an unusually high number of incidents due to the rain. Water remains stagnant in many areas, including roads, fields, and residents’ yards. Mänkyläntie is closed, and the underpasses at Paanatie and Katilantie in Alakylä are filled with water and inaccessible to traffic.

“The situation around the city is still severe. The rainfall amounts have been exceptionally high,” says Jarno Aaltonen, the city’s maintenance chief. He notes that some areas in Seinäjoki were less affected by the rain, while others experienced extreme flooding.

Currently, water levels are slowly receding, but many ditches and waterways remain full. “The sewer systems cannot drain until surface water decreases. We are in a waiting phase. We continuously strive to manage the situation, but we cannot control the forces of nature,” Aaltonen explains. Some roads have also collapsed due to the surging water.

“We will, of course, repair these roads immediately.” He emphasizes the importance of avoiding further rain to allow the sewer systems to function properly. “If more rain falls in large amounts, the situation could worsen. We hope the skies remain clear.”

Aaltonen reports that many residents have reached out about waterlogged basements. “We have informed everyone that there is little we can do until the water levels drop. When the drains cannot handle the water, our assistance is limited.” He urges patience from the community during this challenging situation. “It’s a terrible situation to have your basement flooded. We are doing everything possible to assist residents.”