Riga parks suffer extensive tree damage following severe storm

A severe storm, described as the most destructive since January 2005, has caused extensive damage across Latvia, particularly in the capital city of Riga and the surrounding Pierīga region.

In Riga's parks and gardens, more than 250 trees have been uprooted or broken. The most significant damage occurred in central city parks, Dzegužkalns, and Pļavnieku birzs. Extensive destruction was also reported in Mežaparks and the Riga forestry forests.

Rīgas meži has begun clearing debris, prioritizing public safety by clearing main roads, transit routes, and heavily frequented areas. Officials noted that the current count of damaged trees likely underestimates the total impact, as many broken branches, leaning trees, and uprooted root systems may not yet be visible. Information regarding the loss of large trees will be submitted to the Nature Conservation Agency.