Storm damages border fence on Latvia's eastern border in 124 locations
A powerful storm over the weekend damaged Interior Ministry infrastructure, with falling trees breaking the state border fence in 124 spots and harming border guard buildings and equipment. Fuel shortages and communication disruptions also hampered emergency services.
A powerful storm that swept across Latvia over the weekend has left its mark on the country's eastern border. The State Border Guard reported that falling trees damaged the fence built along Latvia's border in 124 different locations. Several border guard buildings and pieces of equipment were also damaged in the storm.
The damage was not limited to the Border Guard alone — infrastructure belonging to services under the Interior Ministry more broadly was affected. The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) said that in some areas its work was hampered by fuel shortages as well as communication problems. The State Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) reported similar difficulties, citing disruptions to communications during its operations.
The condition of the fence and related infrastructure on the eastern border is tied to its ability to fulfil its function, meaning repairs will need to be addressed by the relevant services in the near future. No specific timeline or repair plan has been announced so far.
