A new analysis by Skogsstyrelsen shows that forestry measures like logging and forest roads worsened damage to roads and railways after extreme skyfalls in Västernorrland in September. The rain event caused one death, two derailed freight trains, and widespread infrastructure destruction. The agency warns that similar risks are being rebuilt.
On the night between September 6 and 7, 2025, Västernorrland was hit by extreme rainfall, leading to severe flooding. Over 40 roads were washed away, railways were damaged, and two freight trains derailed. One person died after driving into a washed-out road.
On December 12, 2025, Skogsstyrelsen released a comprehensive analysis of how forestry measures affected the damages. The analysis concludes that logging, track damage, and forest roads contributed to increased water runoff, thereby worsening erosion, landslides, and harm to major infrastructure. “Logging increases the amount of water running off an area,” says Anja Lomander, soil specialist at Skogsstyrelsen. She adds that it strengthens earlier preliminary assessments.
The agency stresses that it is scientifically proven that such measures raise risks of landslides and erosion, while intact forest provides protection during heavy rain. A previous report from Sweco claimed forestry had no impact, but Lomander criticizes it for lacking runoff data and making unfounded assumptions. “Sweco's report has no data on runoff. Then it assumes no effect,” she says.
Skogsstyrelsen warns that reconstruction risks repeating the mistakes. “They are building in exactly the same risks again and in some cases worsening them. It is very short-sighted and honestly dangerous,” Lomander told DN.
