Sokndal Flooding: Residents Flee as River Levels Rise Again in Southern Norway
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A renewed threat of flooding has prompted evacuations in Sokndal, Norway, as rainfall continues to swell rivers already at dangerous levels following catastrophic conditions earlier this week. Residents, still reeling from Monday’s deluge, are bracing for another potential surge, with authorities maintaining a high state of preparedness.
Published December 17, 2025, at 3:35 PM CET
Updated December 17, 2025, at 3:49 PM CET
Fears of a Repeat Disaster
The municipality of Sokndal, located in the south of Rogaland county, experienced devastating flooding on Monday, with rivers overflowing their banks and inundating large parts of the city center.A crisis team was immediately established, and the civil defense was called in to assist with emergency response efforts. Now, with further rainfall reported overnight and Thursday morning, residents fear a repeat of the disaster.
“Now we are fleeing,” stated a local mother of a small child, whose family lives in one of the hardest-hit areas. The family is proactively packing their belongings and seeking temporary shelter, anticipating another overflow. “I’m a little afraid that it will overflow again with water,” she added, noting she is frequently checking the weather forecast.
Catastrophic Conditions on monday
The initial flooding on Monday was described as “catastrophic” by local officials. The sheer volume of water overwhelmed the region, reaching heights exceeding one meter in some areas. One resident, Anne Berit Lindland Hansen, recounted experiencing floods six times previously, but emphasized that this event was unprecedented.
“I have experienced floods six times here, but this time the amount of water that came was absolutely enormous. When it gets into the house,it’s not nice anymore,” Hansen said,adding that she spent Wednesday replenishing supplies in anticipation of further flooding. Despite the recurring threat, she expressed a fondness for the area, notably during the summer months.
[Image of water level at Anne Berit Lindland Hansen’s gate. Photo: Erik Waage / NRK]
Mayor describes “State of Emergency”
Mayor bjørn-Inge Mydland (Sp) characterized the situation as a “state of emergency.” While the water level in Sokndal is currently receding and the area of Øyno is once again accessible by car, the municipality is urging caution.
“Those on Øyno who now got their way back, have been encouraged to do crucial errands and get ready for the possibility that there may be another closure of the road,” the municipality stated on its website.
When asked if the water levels coudl surpass those seen on monday, Mayor Mydland acknowledged the uncertainty.”It’s actually not easy to say. What helps a little now is that with every hour that passes, the river decreases. Of course, we hope that it won’t be as bad as it was on Monday morning, becuase it was simply unpleasant,” he said.
[Image of Mayor Bjørn-Inge Mydland (Sp) in Sokndal. Photo: Ole Andreas Bø / NRK]
Preparing for the Worst
Residents are taking proactive steps to mitigate potential damage. One individual reported having already contacted family to arrange accommodation, stating, “We have called the mother-in-law and she is ready to receive all five of us.” Others are stocking up on essential supplies, mirroring the actions of June Moi Mydland, who preemptively shopped for necessities when she observed rising river levels and anticipated heavy rainfall.
[image from the flood in Sokndal on Monday. Photo: Ole Andreas Bø / NRK]
The situation in Sokndal remains fluid, and authorities are closely monitoring river levels and weather patterns. The community is bracing for the possibility of further disruption as they navigate this ongoing crisis.
