Rapid thawing of snow continues in Riga on Wednesday, the 21st of December. Seven water pump units are deployed in the city to deal with possible road flooding, as reported by Riga City Council.
Puddles are forming on the streets in the city because rainwater sewer system is only partially operational. According to the city council, some sewer grates are inoperable due to clumps of snow covering them up. In some areas the sewer system is partially frozen, allowing for very slow diversion of rainwater.
Riga City Council’s Transport Department has ordered water pumping to be done where it is necessary, as well as remove obstructions in areas where rainwater isn’t properly filtered off the streets.
On gravel roads driving conditions are complicated because a layer of ice and water has formed there as a result of the thaw. This mass may freeze again if air temperature drops.
Under these conditions, coating roads, streets and walkways with anti-slip solutions in not effective.
Slush is gradually forming, which worsens and makes driving conditions potentially more dangerous.
Riga City Council reminds that pedestrian walkway may still be slippery and unsafe. Officials add that in the morning on the 21st of December efforts commenced to coat walkways in Riga’s historic centre.
As reported by the city council, a total of 16 vehicles and ten employees are busy clearing streets. Another ten vehicles are deployed outside the city centre to clear streets.
Riga City Council reminds that during a period of thaw residents should stay clear of roofs with snow on them, as falling rain and ice can cause serious injuries and even death. The city council stresses that owners of buildings are responsible for clearing roofs of snow.
The municipal administration reminds that if a resident is injured by snow or ice fallen from a roof, he or she should immediately call the Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) by dialling 113.
NMPD will then forward information to the municipal policy, who will then commence administrative violation procedure.
Residents who receive injuries can also submit a request to Riga City Council so that the police can recognise him or her a victim of an accident. The city council will then analyse the request and provide information about the owner so that the victim can then collect a compensation for damages.
Also read: Thaw causes slippery streets and walkways in Riga; residents warned of dangers from ice