Finland Counts Its Shelters, Finds Over 50,000

(Patria) - Finland has completed a census of its existing bomb shelters in a government effort spurred by neighboring Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, and found there are 50,500, its interior ministry announced, Reuters reports.

Finland made it mandatory to build emergency shelters under residential and commercial buildings back in the 1950s, which explains their current large number.

The government's population count concluded that the nation of 5.5 million people has about 50,500 shelters that can accommodate 4.8 million people in case of an emergency or attack, the ministry said.

It was also determined that 91% of the shelters are strong enough to withstand an attack carried out with conventional weapons, while 83% are equipped to provide protection from gas emissions or nuclear emergencies.

“At the same time, it must be stated that a small number of shelters have defects that prevent them from being put into use within the 72 hours stipulated by law,” said project manager Ira Pasi from the Ministry of the Interior.

The shelters are equipped with fans, airtight doors, foldable beds, and even wardrobes, as required by the latest law dating back to 2011.

During peacetime, some of the underground shelters house swimming pools, sports centers, or, in the far north of the country, Santa Claus theme parks.

The shelters are maintained by the owners of each building, and the government has called for their proper maintenance.

“Over the decades, Finland has built civil defense infrastructure worth billions of euros, which is worth taking care of,” Pasi said.