Brothers in Ceraukste clear road themselves after storm damage
After Saturday's storm, two brothers in Ceraukste cleared a fallen birch tree blocking a road that had caused a kilometers-long traffic jam. By evening, Latvia's fire and rescue service had already logged 668 storm-related emergency calls nationwide.
A powerful storm swept across Latvia on Saturday evening, causing widespread damage. By 9 p.m., the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) had received 668 calls to the unified emergency number 112 related to the strong winds, spokeswoman Viktorija Gribuste confirmed to the LETA news agency.
In one such incident, a large birch tree knocked down by the storm fell across a road in Ceraukste, creating a traffic jam stretching several kilometers. Two brothers took matters into their own hands, clearing the tree from the roadway themselves and freeing up the route. Drivers stuck in the jam reportedly greeted their efforts with applause and thanks.
Damage across the country
Latgale saw the highest number of calls at 310, including 118 in Daugavpils and 60 in Augšdaugava municipality. Zemgale followed with 177 calls, among them 50 in Jēkabpils municipality and 34 in Jelgava and Jelgava municipality. Kurzeme recorded 127 calls, including 30 in Kuldīga municipality and 26 in Ventspils municipality. In Vidzeme, 30 calls were logged by 9 p.m., with eight in Riga and 16 in the Riga region.
In most cases, wind-toppled trees fell onto roadways, though in some instances trees also damaged buildings and vehicles.
VUGD urged residents to carefully reconsider evening plans, recommending that outdoor events be cancelled, loose items removed from balconies and yards, and that people stay indoors, charge their phones, and follow updates from official authorities.
