Riga opens collection point for storm-felled trees and branches
From Sunday morning, Riga residents can drop off trees and branches broken by the storm at a collection site on Uzvaras Boulevard. City services remain on heightened alert as cleanup continues.
Starting at 6 a.m. on Sunday, 24 August, residents of Riga have been able to hand over trees, branches and collected leaves brought down by the recent storm. The drop-off point is located at Uzvaras Boulevard 16A, Riga City Council Deputy Mayor Edvards Ratnieks (National Alliance) told journalists.
Storm damage across the capital
Overnight into Sunday, Riga was hit by a powerful storm with wind gusts exceeding 30 meters per second. The storm broke hundreds of trees and damaged fences and cars, while traffic lights and public transport contact lines were also affected. Basements, courtyards and streets flooded in several areas.
Services working in heightened mode
Speaking on Sunday afternoon, Ratnieks said emergency and municipal services continue working in an intensified regime, though clearing the storm's aftermath will take considerable time. The priority is removing threats to public safety and clearing roadways, while other call-outs are being handled in order of priority.
The deputy mayor urged Riga residents to work remotely on Monday if possible, so as not to hinder crews continuing to deal with the storm's consequences.
