White ribbon as a sign of hope: Riga airport gathering to support families of Latvians missing in Nepal

After devastating floods in Nepal, the fate of several Latvian citizens remains unknown. On Sunday, August 30, at 17.50, everyone is invited to gather at Riga Airport's C zone to spend a short moment together and express support for the families of the missing. The call was posted on social media and coordinated with the airport.

Participants are encouraged to pin a white ribbon to their clothing near the heart. It will serve as a sign of mutual recognition, hope and unity. Organizers note that the C exit area is not large and will also be used by other airport visitors. Security staff may ask the crowd to step aside or change the gathering point if necessary to avoid disrupting passenger flow. “Let us be calm, respectful and together,” says Ieva, the author of the post.

Roberts Fūrmanis, whose relatives are among the missing, also expressed his support. In an emotional Facebook video, he reminded people that behind the numbers in news headlines are real people and families. He says the tragedy has affected him personally. He does not see it as just an accident; its scale and manner are a huge disaster.

Despite the grave situation, Fūrmanis and other relatives still cling to hope, although expectations are low. “Let us not wait for the eighth wonder of the world,” he says. At the same time, he is shocked by some comments he has read online and calls their authors inhuman. He asks society to treat the tragedy with respect, because behind it stand living people, families, parents, children, brothers, sisters and friends.