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In the State Forests of Latvia, the Greatest Storm Damage has been Recorded in Zemgale Region

JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) continues to assess the damage caused by the storm; however, operational information gathered so far shows that the amount of damage identified is about 100 000 cubic metres of felled or broken wood. The greatest damage was recorded in LVM Zemgale and Eastern Vidzeme region.

The storm on 7 August hit LVM Zemgale region the most, a total of 22 000 cubic metres of uprooted or broken trees and 8 000 cubic metres of damaged trees individually or in small groups have been recorded. In Zemgale, young trees were also damaged during the large-grain hailstorm, the extent of this damage is still being determined. In turn, on the night of 8 August, significant damage was also caused in other regions, for example, in East Vidzeme, damage was recorded in the amount of 22 000 cubic metres, and in West Vidzeme – in the amount of 8 000 cubic metres. LVM North Kurzeme, South Kurzeme and Vidusdaugava regions were least affected by the storm.

Weather permitting, drones are also being used to survey the damage. Since strong winds and rain, as well as the risk of thunderstorms still remained high in many places on Tuesday, the use of drones was limited. As the weather improves, drones will be increasingly involved in assessing the overall extent of damage.

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Storm damage

At the moment, forest roads on which timber has already been prepared or forest machinery is working are being cleared of any felled trees as a priority.

LVM's contractual partners – timber carriers – also continue to report places where the roads are blocked by broken trees and it is necessary to clear the roads. LVM has called on the drivers of timber carriers to evaluate the situation in nature and, if necessary, to stop deliveries to reduce the risks of accidents that can be caused by still breaking trees. Aware of the serious situation, LVM is rescheduling deliveries where possible until the effects of the damage are eliminated. LVM employees are also promptly involved and continue their work on identifying the damages and eliminating their consequences, so that movement on LVM roads, including the usual routes of residents, is possible as soon as possible.