Giant chunks of ice by the fence, water in the backyard, basement, and house. Along the Saka River, several families have already been evacuated. Meanwhile, the residents of Pļaviņas once again stare at the ice mountains and ask whether they are dangerous. Although an orange alert has been issued in the city, there is no forecast of major flooding here.
The River Saka near Jēkabpils is fast. Giant chunks of ice are carried with ease. Saka Bridge quakes as another chunk of ice breaks up against the bridge support. Nearest houses are flooded. The municipal police shoo away the curious.
People say the big mountain of ice didn't appear until this morning. Until then, there were chunks, but not so high.
Weatherman Toms Bricis has come to see what the situation is like.
"The orange alert means water levels have reached such a level that flooding is already taking place. A classic stack of ice. Before the ice broke, it was already a meter thick layer. Now all the ice is dense here, but the good news – the river is clean by the border with Belarus," said Bricis.
So there should no longer be congestion and ice should move within the next few days.
“There shouldn't be very big flooding. There is no extra mass,“ adds Bricis.
Bricis predicts local flooding will continue throughout Latvia: "Individual homes and roads will be flooded. Those traveling to the countryside on holiday should take into account that many places have wet and undrivable roads."
The views attract loads. Local governments urge curious people not to come watch the ice.
