Forest stem volume and storm damage mapping in Finland and Russia

Storms and heavy winds can induce degradations on wide areas of forest, which have a severe impact on the ecological habitat and on economical value. During ten days in July and August 2010, the thunderstorms named Asta, Veera, Lahja and Sylvi raged in southern and middle Finland. About 8.1 million m3 of forest was damaged, and the storms caused severe damage to the country infrastructure (e.g. buildings, power lines and railroads). The estimated financial losses of Asta storm alone were over 20 million euros.