Storm damages over 250 trees in Riga's parks

After a storm hit Riga in late August, the municipal company Rīgas meži has surveyed extensive damage across the capital's green spaces. According to company spokesperson Ieva Geistere, more than 250 trees have so far been counted as uprooted or broken in the city's parks and green areas. The city centre parks, Dzegužkalns and Pļavnieku grove suffered the most damage, and several protected old trees were also affected, with the Nature Conservation Agency to be informed.

The company warns the actual scale of damage is likely greater, since many areas still contain broken branches, leaning or hanging trees, and root systems loosened by strong wind and heavy rain that are not immediately visible.

Mežaparks and city forests

Significant damage also occurred in the Mežaparks culture and recreation park, where dozens of trees were uprooted or broken, some falling across main paths and the Great Bandstand area. Because a joint concert took place there on Sunday, staff urgently cleared the routes needed for visitors.

Of the four forest districts managed by Rīgas meži, the Riga forest district suffered the most damage, including areas such as Mangaļsala, Buļļu sala, Vārnukrogs and Anniņmuiža forest park. Drones are being used to survey hard-to-reach areas, and warning signs have been placed where it is not yet safe to be.

Zoo closed, cleanup continues

The storm also forced the closure of Riga National Zoo, which was shut to visitors on Sunday and Monday; if cleanup proceeds as planned, it could reopen Tuesday.

The company is also collecting reports of cases where its trees or branches damaged residents' property, so claims can be submitted to insurers where needed. Rīgas meži estimates that fully clearing storm damage across the city will take at least a month, with work in some areas potentially lasting longer.