Published on: 15.4.2024

Proposal for 18 major flood risk areas in Finland

Finland’s ELY centres propose that 18 areas in Finland should be considered zones with a significant risk of flooding in sea areas and internal water bodies. The proposals are now available for comment until 17 June 2024. The proposal does not add any new areas to those previously declared to be significant flood risk areas, as all the proposed areas are already included. Significant flood risk status was removed from four areas, owing to flood risk management measures, or increasingly accurate risk evaluations.

Flood risk evaluations have been made for all inland waters and coastal areas. Proposals for risk areas have been made based on a preliminary flood risk evaluation. The evaluation identifies the risks posed by floods to inhabitants, important public services, the environment, and to cultural heritage. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will name the significant flood risk areas by the end of 2024. Flood maps and plans for controlling the risk of flooding will be drawn or updated for these areas. Initial evaluations of flood risks, the naming of significant flood risk areas, flood maps, and management plans are reviewed at six-year intervals.

Significant flood risk lifted in four areas

In the ongoing planning period, no new significant flood risk areas have been proposed. However, four previously named areas were no longer seen to face significant flood risk. Kemijärvi was removed from the proposals after raising the height of a dam was completed. Meanwhile, in Riihimäki, all inadequately designed culverts were successfully converted into tubular bridges, significantly reducing the flood risk. In Lapua, the new, more detailed flood maps showed a decrease in the number of locations at risk of flooding. Meanwhile, in Loviisa, measures to prevent or reduce the risk of flooding have either been implemented, or their implementation is being planned.

ELY centres are responsible for the planning of the management of flood risk in inland waterways also in areas other than those with a significant risk of flooding. Other flood risk areas were also identified in connection with the preliminary evaluation of flood risk. The risk of flooding is lower in these areas, but different measures, such as making more detailed flood surveys, are needed there. For example, the catchment basins of the Pattijoki and Haapajoki rivers in Raahe were identified as other flood risk areas based on autumn floods in 2023. Meanwhile, in Uusimaa, several other flood risk areas had their status lifted after measures had been taken to reduce flooding, including new conditions for allowing water regulation, upgrading, channels and elevating roads.

Management of flooding risks helps adapt to climate change

The risks of floods have been recognised well in Finland and flood management has been practiced for a long time. Reducing flooding risks and preparing for floods has been managed systematically for more than ten years by national flood risk legislation, which is based on the EU Floods Directive. The planning of flood risk management is a good example of efforts to adapt to climate change. The process is repeated every six years. The newest knowledge base on the risk of flooding, the effects of climate change, and the effectiveness of the measures are always used.

The first preliminary evaluations of flood risk were made in 2011. These evaluations were first revisited in 2018. At that time the centre of the city of Salo had its significant flood risk area status lifted, thanks to the completion of structures to prevent ice jams. Jyväskylä and the coastal areas of Raisio, Naantali, and Rauma also had their status of significant flood risk areas lifted after a more detailed risk evaluation. After flooding in 2012–2013, the lower part of the river Pyhäjoki and the Lapväärtti area were named significant flood risk areas. The coastal area of Kemi was also added as a significant risk area after more detailed flood surveys had been conducted.

Have the significant flood risk areas been identified?

Structured consultations on proposals for flood risk areas and on the preparation of management plans for flood risks and an environmental report is taking place from 15 March – 17 June 2024. Feedback can be sent through the lausuntopalvelu electronic opinion service, or by sending e-mail to the registrar ELY Centre of the area in question. Unofficial feedback may also be submitted directly on the digital background documents for preliminary evaluation of the flood risk. Material from consultations in individual municipalities is available on the Flood risk management page. (in Finnish)

Dealing stormwater flooding caused by heavy rain and snow melt is the responsibility of the municipalities. The municipalities are checking the preliminary evaluations of stormwater flooding risks this year as well.

For more information:

Map of proposed and existing flood risk areas (in Finnish)

Summary table of proposed major flood risk areas (in Finnish)

Authors of the article

Mikko Sane, Development Engineer, Finnish Environment Institute (Syke)
tel. 0295 251 617, firstname.lastname@syke.fi

Lauri Ahopelto, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
tel. 0295 162 094, firstname.lastname@gov.fi