Extreme rainfall has occurred in central Latvia. Intense and prolonged rainfall has already caused flooding in low-lying areas and urban areas, and river floodplains and low-lying areas along river banks have also started to flood, the State Fire and Rescue Service says.
The fastest rise in water level has been in the rivers of the Lielupe basin. Precipitation continued throughout Monday in central and eastern areas, with rapid rises in the Salaca, Gauja, and Daugava river basins.
Though the worst of the rain has now passed, in the coming days, water levels will continue to rise and flooding is likely to occur over wide areas near bodies of water.
An orange alert is in force from Monday July 29 at 15:15 until Friday August 2 at 14:00.
The VUGD warns that flooding of properties and transport infrastructure is possible. Electricity, water and telecommunications may be disrupted. Evacuation may be necessary.
Residents are urged not to visit or move in flood-prone areas, not to endanger themselves, and not to delay rescue services. People are also being advised not to swim at oudoor bathing areas for the next few days, even at places where this is normally safe.
