Several municipalities in Jutland have initiated extensive preparations to handle the extreme weather forecasted to hit Denmark over the weekend. According to the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI), there is a possibility of many areas receiving up to 50-80 millimeters of rain.
In Viborg Municipality, special attention is being given to the risk of flooding, especially around the Gudenå River. The municipality has made sandbags available to residents in the most vulnerable areas. Martin Heinrich Friis Larsen, a forest and landscape engineer at Viborg Municipality, also urges citizens to help keep drain grates clear of leaves and branches to optimize the function of the rainwater systems.
The municipality has also actively cleaned the sewers, including using a sludge truck in Bjerringbro, and ensured the removal of leaves from manhole covers. In addition, 1000 sandbags have been brought to the fire station in Viborg, with the possibility of more if necessary, as reported by Viborg Stifts Folkeblad.
In Odder Municipality, measures have also been taken to minimize the risk of flooding. Sewers and drains have been cleaned, and sandbags have been made available to residents. Thor Bache Finderup, the head of Roads & Parks in Odder Municipality, told Horsens Folkeblad that they have closely monitored weather forecasts and done everything possible to prepare. Efforts are also being made to procure pumps that can help alleviate potential flooding. This comes after an incident in October 2023 where a dam broke and flooded the center of Odder.
The National Police (Rigspolitiet) are also prepared for the upcoming severe weather and have issued a call to citizens to follow weather forecasts and authorities’ instructions. They emphasize that the emergency services may be under pressure, and therefore only emergencies should be reported by calling 112.
In Sønderborg, where serious floods have been experienced in the past, the emergency response is also on high alert. Chief of Emergency Preparedness Allan Dalager reports that they are closely monitoring weather conditions and DMI’s reports. However, he expects that Sønderborg will avoid flooding this time due to the short-lived nature of the downpour.