Tõrva begins recovery as officials explain what caused the floods
After heavy rain caused severe flooding in the southern Estonian town of Tõrva on Thursday, evacuation of at least eight people took place. Recovery is underway, and authorities note that neither rainfall nor river levels were record-breaking.
The southern Estonian town of Tõrva experienced severe flooding on Thursday following torrential rain that caused rivers to swell. Initial reports suggested a dam had been breached, but the municipality later clarified that the dams remained intact; instead, natural ground adjacent to the Tikste dam collapsed, creating breaches.
According to the state Environment Agency, 56 millimeters of rain fell on July 8-9, nearly 80% of the area's average monthly rainfall for July. As of Friday, July's rainfall had already reached 119% of the monthly average. The water level at the Tõrva hydrometric station peaked at 265 centimeters above the station's zero level, but this was not a record. The highest level was recorded on the same date in 1978 at 458 centimeters.
Mayor Kalle Vister (Isamaa) said after a crisis meeting that drinking water and sewer services were restored on Thursday afternoon and evening. Most floodwater has been removed from affected properties, but restoration work is only beginning. Next week, volunteers will help clean yards and work on damaged properties.
For those temporarily displaced, the municipality offered accommodation and meals at a care home, as well as temporary social housing, but some chose to stay with acquaintances. The mayor noted that initial hopes are for homeowner insurance to cover costs, and it is unclear if the state will provide assistance. Psychological support is also available for residents.
The floods were caused by a low-pressure system that formed over southern Sweden on Tuesday evening, later reaching the Lithuania-Latvia border and bringing heavy rain into southern Estonia. Despite the flooding, neither rainfall nor river levels were unprecedented – a higher daily rainfall of 80.6 mm was recorded on July 29, 2024.
