Beneath the Finnish capital operates a vast network of underground facilities designed to protect the population in the event of emergencies, including a possible military conflict or nuclear threat from Russia. This was reported by The Times in an article headlined, ‘If Putin invades Finland, the nuclear shelters are already ready — they have swimming pools and children’s ball pits.’

According to the publication, about 5,500 underground sites are located beneath Helsinki, capable of accommodating nearly one million people. Most of them were built on a “dual-use” principle: in peacetime they serve as public and sports spaces, but if necessary they can be quickly converted into protective shelters.

The underground infrastructure includes children’s playrooms, sports halls, swimming pools, climbing walls, ice arenas, karting tracks, as well as rehearsal spaces for music groups. The largest shelters are equipped with autonomous electricity and water supply systems.

Jukka-Pekka Schroderus, a representative of the city rescue service, noted that the constant use of these facilities helps keep them operational and also allows residents, including children, to become familiar with such spaces in advance.

At the same time, as emphasized, the presence of shelters does not relieve citizens of the need to prepare independently for possible emergencies. Residents are advised to keep supplies of water, food, medicines, and means of communication for at least three days.

The publication notes that the system is viewed as an element of civil defense in the event of various crises, including a possible military attack.