Rīga residents asked to stay home Monday

Due to extreme weather conditions that are expected to persist over the next 24 hours, residents of the Latvian capital are beig asked to stay at home of Monday, July 29 if at all possible.

Taking into account that the streets may be flooded and both public and private transport may be delayed, Rīga municipality is requesting residents to stay at home and work remotely as much as possible, but if this is not possible, they should expect delays in moving around the city. However, in an effort to keep as many cars off the sreets as possible, so-called "storm tickets" will be allowed in Rīga on Monday, July 29 – drivers will be able to use public transport in the capital for free if they have their vehicle registration document with them.

"This situation needs to be taken very seriously and is likely to result in high levels of water in the streets, flooding, branches falling in the wind, downed trees and possible downed power lines and road closures. Areas such as Lucavsala, Mangaļsala, Daugavgrīva, Bolderāja, Vecdaugava may be flooded," declared Rīga mayor Vilnis Ķirsis after an emergency meeting of municipal agencies Sunday afternoon.

"We invite people as much as possible to stay at home on Monday, to work remotely. Only those professions that provide important services to society should travel to work," said Ķirsis.

He added that Riga City Council employees were instructed to work remotely on Monday.

"If you have to go somewhere tomorrow, don't do it with your private car," the mayor of the capital pleaded, noting that private cars driving on the streets could hinder the work of the emergency services.

Residents in threatened areas are advised to prepare a 72-hour evacuation bag in case evacuation is required. If evacuation is necessary, residents are invited to call 112, as well as follow announcements on TV, radio and social networks of official institutions, as well as in the "Latvija 112" mobile application.

The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) has come up with a checklist for residents, suggesting they charge their cellphones, park cars away from trees, and check that balconies and yards are cleared of unsecured objects that might be blown by wind or carried by flood waters. They also repeated the council's call not to leave places of residence unless it is unavoidable.

Defense Minister Andris Sprūds said soldiers and National Guards were on standby across the country to provide assistance if needed. 

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