Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkēvičs is unhappy with crisis management in the country after the thunderstorms that hit the country on Monday, the 7th of August.
The president visited Dobele, where the devastation is great. “People are shocked over the slow aid and lack of coordination.
I expect active actions from the municipality and relevant ministries. Currently this is not good crisis management,” the president wrote on Twitter.
During his meeting with residents near Augstskalne parish administration, Rinkēvičs promised to help resolve the issue of provision of material aid to the impacted farms.
Several dozen residents said they are concerned about the slow bureaucratic processes and reluctant insurers, as well as the rapidly growing loan payments in banks.
Residents also said they are confused why the country still doesn’t have an early warning system for potentially dangerous storms.
Dobele County Council chairman Ivars Gorskis told LETA that roofs were ripped off and windows broken during the thunderstorm. Many cars and other machinery was damaged. Many crops were ruined as well.
Many residents are left with no power or water supply. Authorities contacted many lonely pensioners to provide them with aid and food.
Gorskis said the municipality provides aid to the people affected by the thunderstorm, but the state should take responsibility over coverage of losses because the municipality lacks the necessary funds. He also said he is confused why a state of emergency was not declared in Dobele.
As previously reported, on the 7th of August a thunderstorm passed through Latvia, bringing large hail, intensive rain and strong wind. Trees were felled; buildings, vehicles and infrastructure was severely damaged in the process.
Also read: CONTENT WARNING | Many storks killed in recent thunderstorm in Latvia; animal care centre asks for help