Person dies as building collapses in Jelgava during storm

A person died on Saturday evening in Jelgava after the structure of a building collapsed, burying the victim under rubble. Rescuers freed the person and handed them over to emergency medical staff, who could only confirm the death, according to Viktorija Gribuste, spokeswoman for the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD).

The collapse is linked to powerful winds that have swept across Latvia over the weekend, causing several other incidents nationwide.

Casualties in other regions too

In the Aiviekste parish of Aizkraukle municipality, a person was struck by a falling tree. Meanwhile, in Bauska municipality, a firefighter-rescuer was injured while working to clear storm damage and was also taken into medical care.

Authorities urge people to stay indoors

VUGD has again urged residents to remain indoors and avoid going outside unless truly necessary. Gribuste explained that current conditions are making it extremely difficult for emergency crews to reach people in distress, since in some places trees have fallen every few dozen metres along roads — meaning rescuers must first clear the roadway of fallen trees before they can reach those affected.

The situation shows that the storm's aftermath continues to pose serious risks both to residents and to emergency personnel working to prevent further damage and assist the injured.