Storm-caused power outages leave even Latvia's rescuers short on fuel

Power outages caused by a powerful storm have created fuel supply problems not only for residents but also for the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD), Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava (National Alliance) told the LETA news agency.

According to the minister, filling stations in areas without electricity are not operating, forcing rescuers to find alternative ways to keep their vehicles fueled. One method involves other VUGD vehicles delivering fuel to affected units in canisters. The service is also maintaining constant contact with fuel suppliers to secure the necessary volumes.

Dombrava noted that the State Police's operational transport has not faced similar issues — the fuel shortages have specifically affected certain VUGD units in particular locations.

Widespread infrastructure damage

The minister said the storm caused extensive damage to both civilian infrastructure and facilities belonging to emergency services and the border guard. He praised residents who have joined cleanup efforts, noting that services are currently overloaded, having to deal with storm damage while also responding to traffic accidents and other everyday incidents.

Quarter of a million households lost power

A very powerful storm struck Latvia on Saturday evening and into Sunday night, leaving more than a quarter of a million households without electricity. The outages hit hardest in the Latgale and Vidzeme regions, where some filling stations remain out of service, making fuel harder to access for both residents and emergency responders.