"We are preparing for the worst," acknowledged Girt Forands, head of the Adazi branch of the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and chairman of the region's Civil Defense Commission, during the TV3 program "900 Seconds," assessing the potential risks of spring flooding. A long and cold winter, a thick snow cover, and a layer of ice on the Gauja this year may create problems in the Adazi region.
The risk of flooding significantly increases with a sharp rise in temperature combined with intense precipitation, which can cause a rapid rise in water levels, reports TV3. A more favorable scenario would be a gradual melting of ice with slightly positive temperatures during the day and frosts at night. "We are preparing for the worst," emphasized Forands, adding that there are currently no specific forecasts for spring.
In the Adazi region, several protective dams have been built in recent years, significantly reducing the area of flooded territories. Residents are urged to familiarize themselves with flood risk maps prepared by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LEGMC) and to prepare for possible evacuation in a timely manner.
A meeting of the Civil Defense Commission is planned for early March to review action algorithms again. Water levels are monitored using sensors and video surveillance.
The local government is ready to provide accommodation for residents if necessary — initially for a small number of people, and in the case of a larger-scale evacuation, educational institutions will be involved.
To notify residents, an early warning system and mobile broadcasting are planned to be used, as well as patrols of dangerous areas by municipal police.
At the same time, Forands reminded that ice on rivers and the sea coast is never completely safe, especially in areas with currents, so residents should assess the risks themselves.
