Every year on 13 October the world marks the UN International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, honouring the efforts of people and communities around the world to reduce their vulnerability to disasters of all kinds. The number of disasters and crisis situations worldwide is growing, and they are often hard to predict. This makes preparing in good time all the more important.

Arvis Zīle, head of the Crisis Management Centre (KVC), stresses: “On a day when the world focuses on awareness of disaster risks, as well as on the selfless work of states and rescue services in preventing disasters, we should highlight what Latvia has achieved in recent years in developing a comprehensive, resilient and functional civil protection system.”

In Latvia, alongside disasters caused by natural conditions (floods, storms, torrential rain), a serious threat comes from episodes of hybrid warfare, which other European countries also face, whether they lie closer to or further from unpredictable and aggressive neighbours in Russia and Belarus. The pressure of illegal migration, drones straying into airspace, damage to critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and daily attacks in cyberspace are new sources of risk that were not on the agenda for strengthening Latvia's security even a few years ago. Latvia is purposefully developing its civil protection system by introducing cell broadcasting and adapting premises for use as shelters, and it is also strengthening the capacity to respond quickly in crises by establishing the Crisis Management Centre and introducing shorter decision-making routes where a Cabinet of Ministers decision is needed to overcome a crisis. The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) is the primary responder in the event of a disaster, but comprehensive national defence is the responsibility of Latvian society as a whole.

To strengthen crisis management capabilities, the Crisis Management Centre began work on 1 July 2025, coordinating cooperation between ministries and local authorities and ensuring a unified flow of information in resolving crises. In addition, a situation centre (SITCEN) will be developed to monitor potential threats 24/7 and help with timely preparation for possible crisis situations.

Both the VUGD and local authorities in Latvia pay close attention to prevention and to informing the public, thereby increasing society's resilience. The basic principles for how to act in a crisis situation, or the “5 steps to safety”:

• know the risks in your area (fire, flooding, storms, etc.);

• prepare 72 hours' worth of supplies, including water, medicines and documents;

• know your safe place at home and the nearest shelter;

• use only verified information and stay in touch with your family – agree where to meet if communications go down;

• act safely if you find a drone or a suspicious object – do not touch it, report it on 112 and move a safe distance away.

More information is also available in the information booklet “Civil Protection in Latvia”.

The United Nations has designated 13 October as the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction UN International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. Its origins date back to 1989, when the UN General Assembly called for a day to be established on which to discuss a culture of disaster risk reduction and early warning on a global scale. Disasters pose an ever greater threat to economic well-being and sustainable development across the world. The financial impact of disasters is increasing, which in turn reduces national incomes, drives up security costs and leads to recurring humanitarian crises. To reduce the costs of disasters, countries need to increase funding for disaster risk reduction.