Riga holds prayer service for those missing in Nepal as families face new obstacles
An ecumenical prayer service was held at Riga City Hall for 33 Latvian nationals still missing after a major natural disaster in Nepal, while their relatives struggle to access information about the missing people's finances and daily affairs. Search efforts in Nepal continue, but no news has emerged about the missing.
On Monday, prayer services were held both in Nepal and at Riga City Hall for people who went missing following a major natural disaster in Nepal. According to Latvian public broadcaster LSM, search operations continue, but there is still no information about the 33 Latvian nationals who remain unaccounted for.
Families struggle to access information
Beyond the anguish of waiting, relatives of the missing have run into practical difficulties — they cannot access information about their missing family members' finances and everyday obligations. Vera, daughter of Svetlana Okuņa, a violinist with the Latvian National Opera and Ballet who is missing in Nepal, said banks, mobile operators and utility providers all refuse to share information without a power of attorney or a death certificate, neither of which relatives currently have. She noted the situation becomes especially complicated when the missing person had loans or a mortgage, since unpaid obligations can accrue interest and create further problems.
Call for coordinated support
A relative of another missing woman likewise pointed to unclear legal questions and difficult communication with Latvian institutions. He believes the state should set up a coordination centre or designate a responsible official to help relatives gather information in one place. He explained that each family's situation is different — some need to deal with banks, others with insurance companies or business matters — but institutions often withhold information citing data protection law, even though the issue is not about inheritance but about maintaining ongoing household obligations.
Prayer service at Riga City Hall
As reported by Latvian Television's programme "Panorāma", an ecumenical prayer service was held at Riga City Hall on Monday evening, calling on people to keep the missing and their relatives in their thoughts and prayers. The service was led by Rinalds Grants, Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia, together with leaders of other Christian denominations.
