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Storm damage and infrastructure impact in Latvia

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2026-08-25 09:50 UTC → 2026-08-28 08:15 UTC · added ~~removed~~

A severe summer storm in Latvia, described as the strongest since 1966, caused widespread flooding, power outages, and infrastructure failures. The storm resulted in one fatality, 14 medical emergencies, and approximately 277,000 power outages. Heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems in Roja and caused rivers and ditches to overflow in Talsi, submerging streets, fields, and gardens. The loss of electricity disrupted essential services, including the operation of kindergartens in Sabile, Stende, Jaunpagasts, and Dursupe. Minister of State Administration and Regional Development Edgars Tavars noted that power failures disrupted mobile communications and fuel availability, leaving some cities without operational fuel stations. While hospitals and police services utilized backup generators, Tavars observed that existing emergency service agreements may only exist “on paper, not in life.” He emphasized that communication companies must be equipped to function for at least 72 hours without centralized power. Arvis Zīle, head of the Crisis Management Center, has urged citizens to prepare ‘72-hour bags’ and suggested households invest in generators for heating and water systems. He also noted that municipalities are responsible for assisting vulnerable residents. As of August 24, approximately 75,000 households remained without electricity. To address the damage, Sadales tīkls has deployed over 200 brigades to repair roughly 700 damaged sections of the electrical grid, supported by crews from Estonia’s Elektrilevi. The utility provider has issued urgent safety warnings regarding downed or low-hanging wires that may unexpectedly become live. Recent reports indicate that the power outages have caused significant disruptions to mobile and internet services. Major operators LMT, Tele2 Latvija, and Bite Latvija confirmed connectivity issues, with LMT reporting that approximately 3% of its connections were affected, particularly in the Latgale, Zemgale, and eastern Kurzeme regions. These outages impacted the Emergency Medical Service (NMPD), where failures in both mobile and radio communications forced the implementation of contingency plans using service brigades. NMPD Director Liene Cipule noted the service must re-evaluate its readiness for communication breakdowns. To combat prolonged power loss, operators are deploying diesel generators and mobile base stations, though fallen trees and flooding have hindered access to some sites.

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