August in review: storm damage, CSDD data leak and Ratcliffe's Moscow visit

Delfi journalist Lelde Šuberte-Ķirse has compiled a review of August's most notable stories, highlighting a month marked by several unsettling events at home and abroad.

Storm damage

A powerful storm hit Latvia in August, causing destruction, communication and power outages, and halting production at some factories — effects still felt today. During the storm, a hospital in Ogre had to perform an emergency caesarean section just as power and communications went down, but medical staff adapted and a baby boy was safely delivered. In Jēkabpils municipality, local residents openly stated that Latvia is not adequately prepared for crisis situations. Coverage also examined people's tendency to ignore warnings when danger isn't visible nearby, and reviewed backup power options for households.

Cyberattack on the road safety agency

Latvia's Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) suffered a cyberattack in August that leaked personal data of roughly 1.2 million people. The incident recalled a 2018 case in which Raimonds Skurulis had discovered a vulnerability in CSDD's IT system, but later faced criminal proceedings for extortion. Cybersecurity experts criticized CSDD for failing to meet several key security requirements, warning that the leaked data allows addresses to be linked with vehicles and payments. Following the breach and a change in agency leadership, information about former directors' income and assets was also made public.

Company list and Ratcliffe's visit

A list of Latvian companies still trading with Russia and Belarus was published again, and will now reportedly be updated monthly. Meanwhile, an unexpected visit by US Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow via Riga raised concerns, since a previous CIA director's trip occurred shortly before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, though analysts note current circumstances differ.

Other events

August also brought tragedy to Nepal and China, where a glacier collapse triggered devastating floods, with news still awaited on any affected Latvian citizens. Other stories covered child safety in sports, life inside an animal shelter, and a hydrangea garden created in Nereta.