High winds and storm surge leave wake of destruction

The storm Bodil may have passed and the winds finally settled, but millions of kroner of damage has been left in its wake.

Around 290,000 cubic metres of trees were levelled by the storm according to an Environment Ministry estimate, which is more than double the loss from the October 28 storm.

Forests in western and central Jutland were the most affected, with around half a million trees felled by the near-hurricane-force winds that battered the country on Thursday and Friday.

Storm surges
The high winds also created storm surges that damaged several harbours and marinas, particularly on Zealand.

Politiken newspaper reports that Gilleleje has suffered millions of kroner in damages and is effectively completely destroyed.

According to Jesper Højenvang, the chairman of the sailing association Flid, the damage won’t be covered by insurers.

“The special harbour constructions and cost-heavy installations are not covered,” Højenvang told Ritzau.

Insurers no longer have to cover special harbour installations such as landing stages and kayak jetties after a 2012 law change that Flid was opposed to.

“It leaves recreational marinas in a bind now that it is up to users to pay for the massive destruction caused by the powerful flooding,” Højenvang said, adding that he hoped the government would help cover the costs.

Flooding
Several towns were evacuated because of the high sea level, particularly Frederikssund and its immediate area.

Politiken newspaper reports that 74 residents were helped to safety from the town of Hyllingeriis with the assistance of a helicopter that lit a path for them to escape in small boats.

The Viking Ship Museum on the shore of Roskilde Fjord was also at risk from the rising water level, but staff worked round the clock to keep water from seeping in and damaging the priceless ships.

Silver lining
The waves whipped up by Bodil were a golden opportunity for surfers to practice their sport, however, and several braved the treacherous weather to catch some waves.

The daredevils were captured by surfing brand Oh Dawn in the following video.




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