Photos: Pärnu flooded after record rainfall, with water reaching half a metre

Pärnu has been hit by severe flooding after 122.4 millimetres of rain fell in 24 hours, the highest daily total ever recorded at the city’s meteorological and coastal station since records began in 1877. The rain began overnight and continued until midday, with water reaching up to half a metre in some parts of the city.

The volume of water quickly overwhelmed the drainage system. Flooding was concentrated in low-lying areas, including underpasses, underground car parks, lower streets and squares. Some roads became impassable, cars were left underwater and parts of buildings were flooded.

The city’s sewage system is operating at full capacity. A road section beneath the Audru overpass and pedestrian tunnels in Pärnu have been closed. Authorities said pumping out the water and drying the tunnels would take time, and they would remain closed until they were safe to use.

River levels have also risen sharply, although there is currently no threat of river flooding. The municipality urged residents to avoid going outside or using flooded streets where possible. Forecasters warned that southern Estonia could see another 10 to 25 millimetres of rain overnight, including up to 16 millimetres in Pärnu.