Sweden's Daily Updates: Latest News on a Typical Tuesday
Storm Karl-Heinz Causes Havoc in Northern Sweden, While Trädgården's Future Remains Uncertain
Storm Karl-Heinz is causing chaos in northern Sweden, bringing heavy rainfall, flooding, and traffic disruptions to the region. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued an orange warning for the coastal areas of southern Norrland, with yellow warnings in effect for the east of Dalarna, most of Västerbotten, and the southern parts of Norrbotten [2].
The storm is expected to bring as much as 100mm of rain in a single day in some areas, leading to water damage to houses, fallen trees blocking roads, and flooding in urban areas [2]. In Uddevalla, western Sweden, water has leaked into a grocery store, and authorities advise property owners to clear gutters and protect basements, while warning drivers to avoid driving into water collections to prevent getting stuck and dangerous situations [2].
There is also a notable risk of landslides due to the heavy rain falling over a short period, similar to previous incidents like the 2021 Gävle rainstorms. This can cause further disruptions to roads and infrastructure [2]. The heavy rainfall may lead to a surge in mosquitoes in affected areas after about 10-14 days, as the water pools create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, especially following a relatively dry start to the year [3].
Meanwhile, the future of Trädgården, a popular venue in Sweden, remains uncertain. The County Administrative Board overturned Trädgården's permanent planning permission, citing the area's designation for harbour activities [1]. The closure of Trädgården is seen as eroding Sweden's nightlife by critics, and over 50,000 people have signed a petition to save the venue [1].
Politicians across party lines, except the Sweden Democrats, have rallied behind Trädgårdens cause. Christofer Fjellner, the Moderate Party leader, warned of a "quieter, more desolate Södermalm" if Trädgården is not saved [1]. Singer Veronica Maggio is among those who have signed the petition to save Trädgården [1].
Sweden's prime minister Ulf Kristersson and Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson have expressed lukewarm sentiments towards an EU-US trade deal. Svantesson believes the deal will add to the pressure on Sweden's economy and could lead to reduced demand, lower growth, and higher unemployment [1].
In a separate development, politicians have expressed concerns over restrictive rulings such as the recent court decision limiting alcohol licenses for outdoor bars [1]. The deal contains "both salt and sweet" according to Ulf Kristersson [1]. The number of asylum applications to Sweden in the first six months of this year has dropped 30 percent compared to the same period last year [1].
References:
[1] The Local Sweden. (2023, August 24). Trädgården's closure seen as eroding Sweden's nightlife by critics. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.se/20230824/tradgarden-closure-seen-as-eroding-swedens-nightlife-by-critics
[2] Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. (2023, August 24). Orange warning issued for storm Karl-Heinz. Retrieved from https://www.smhi.se/en/news/orange-warning-issued-for-storm-karl-heinz-2.131069
[3] The Local Sweden. (2023, August 25). Storm Karl-Heinz expected to cause flooding and major traffic problems in northern Sweden. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.se/20230825/storm-karl-heinz-expected-to-cause-flooding-and-major-traffic-problems-in-northern-sweden
The unfolding politics over Trädgården's future, a popular Swedish venue, stands in stark contrast to the immediate concerns in weather forecasting and crime-and-justice related to Storm Karl-Heinz. Politicians across parties are rallying to save Trädgården, while generals news debates the possible economic implications of an EU-US trade deal. Meanwhile, storm-related activities such as floods, traffic disruptions, and landslides remain as critical issues in the general-news sector.
