In the map above, you can see for yourself the calculations made by the city of Stockholm based on the “Gävleregnet” and an estimated “maximum depth” in the water accumulations. That the whole city would be affected at the same time is not likely.
At the same time as the devastation clears up after the major floods in Europe, many Swedish municipalities are preparing for future downpours. In Stockholm, the city has produced new calculations based on the downpour that hit Gävle in 2021, when it fell just over 160 millimeters in one day.
– It gives an image of how vulnerable the city is to torrential rain and can also be used by actors who are responsible for socially important infrastructure, such as electricity grids and transport, says Jonas Althage, torrent strategist at the City of Stockholm.
1000-year rain
The downpour in Gävle has been described by some as a “1000-year rain”, i.e. very unusual. But it still gives an important insight into which areas are at risk of being hit hard if there is a lot of rainfall.
– It is good to know this so that you can form your own opinion if you need to do something with your property, says Jonas Althage.
One place that could have big problems is Enskedefältet in Stockholm. At the most, the calculations show that some parts of the area can have up to two meters of water depth.
“Don’t know what else I can do”
The area has had major floods in the past and many villa owners have also taken measures themselves.
– I don’t know what else I can do, says Lennart Schöldberg, who lives by Enskedefältet. He and several of his neighbors are also calling for the city to take greater responsibility.
– I understand that it is a very big concern, we have produced this planning document so that you can work long-term with the problem areas and I know that other parts of the city also have work underway, says Jonas Althage.