Storm Hans Causes Extensive Damage in Västerbotten and Southern Norrbotten
On Tuesday, August 8, Storm Hans wreaked havoc in the regions of Västerbotten and southern Norrbotten. What started as a thunderstorm quickly escalated into a full-blown storm with gale force winds, and at times, storm force winds. The hardest hit areas were the municipalities of Sorsele, Malå, and Norsjö in Västerbotten.
The Norwegian Forestry Agency reported that approximately 75,000 hectares were affected by the storm, with the blown-down forest covering an estimated 500,000 to 1 million cubic meters. The extent of the damage is unprecedented, as even well-established and managed forests were not spared.
“The forest has tipped. It lies flat. With falling winds, all forests fall, regardless of age and management, unlike other storms when it is usually newly thinned stands that are affected,” said Ellinor Lindmark, a forest consultant at the Norwegian Forestry Agency.
The consequences of the storm are far-reaching. Sveaskog, the largest forest owner in the area, estimates that 6,500 hectares of their land were affected, with a minimum loss of 400,000 cubic meters of timber. The actual net loss is yet to be determined.
“The value of the timber is hundreds of millions, but then you have to assess what proportion we can take care of. This overturns the long-term plans, so it is a matter of minimizing the losses in several stages. Our ambition is, of course, to make use of all the wood and not disturb the long-term plans too much,” explained Tobias Thomson, communications manager for Sveaskog in Västerbotten and Norrbotten.
In an effort to salvage as much forest as possible before snowfall, Sveaskog is mobilizing 20 logging teams to the storm-hit area. However, the impact goes beyond the forestry industry. Reindeer farming has also been severely affected, with reports of fragmented herds and lone calves.
“We have received reports of lone calves and split herds. It means when they will move this autumn,” stated Ellinor Lindmark.
Furthermore, the storm has raised concerns about the potential increase in pests next summer. Since most of the fallen trees are pine, there is a higher risk of medlar borers infestation.
“Since it’s mostly pine that has fallen, it’s primarily about larger and smaller medlar borers,” Lindmark warned.
While the damages caused by Storm Hans are devastating, efforts are being made to mitigate losses. Sveaskog and other forestry companies are working to salvage as much timber as possible, while reindeer farmers are evaluating the impact on their herds. With their resilience and determination, these communities are committed to overcoming the challenges posed by this natural disaster.