The heavy downpours and storm that swept across central Latvia on Sunday evening and Monday have also caused damage in areas managed by “Latvijas valsts meži”. Initial estimates indicate that the greater damage will be in the Zemgale region of AS “Latvijas valsts meži” (LVM); more precise information will be obtained once the wind subsides and the areas are inspected on site and by unmanned aircraft.

“For now it is dangerous to be in the forest, and it is also impossible to fly an unmanned aircraft in such weather, so we will be able to start surveying the storm and rain damage as soon as the strong wind and rain die down. The first forecasts suggest that the worst-hit areas will be around Jūrmala and Jelgava, as well as the Dobele area towards Tukums and Tērvete. We anticipate broken and fallen trees, and forest roads blocked and washed out. As soon as we have concrete data, we will promptly organise work to clear the aftermath of the storm. At present, LVM staff in all regions of Latvia are actively working to coordinate the work between them and to identify the resources required,” explains Sandris Upenieks, LVM Head of Felling Site Planning.

The first operational information on the extent of the damage in the territory of Latvijas valsts meži will be available in the coming days. It is already known that very strong gusts of wind were recorded in the Latvijas valsts meži nature park in Tērvete.

“Dozens of trees have been brought down in the park, and it is already clear that forestry machinery will have to be used to clear the aftermath of the storm. Trees continued to break during the first half of the day. The Tīklu un Tarzāna parks located on Kurbads land has been badly damaged, and the storm has also affected several buildings near the park’s Tourism Centre. The extent of the damage in the LVM nature park will likewise only be determined precisely once it is safe to do so – once the wind and rain have eased,” says Kristaps Didže, LVM Head of Recreation, describing the situation in Tērvete.

The wind has also brought down trees at the LVM nature park glamping site. The underground cabins there have flooded and the treehouses have been damaged. No one was injured, but in the morning it was difficult for visitors to get out of the area. The road was cleared promptly so that visitors could safely leave the glamping site by one of the roads that had not been washed out. The LVM nature park in Tērvete and the LVM nature park glamping site are closed for an indefinite period for the time being.