Drones Change the Rules: How Children Will Learn in Daugavpils 0 14

In Daugavpils, a system of actions for educational institutions is being developed in case of threats in the airspace. This was reported to journalists by representatives of the local government.

The reason for this was recent incidents involving drones in Latgale, including a case in Rezekne, where drones fell onto the territory of an oil depot. Following this, a civil defense commission was convened in Daugavpils and the Augšdaugava region.

Daugavpils Vice Mayor Igor Prelatov stated that the main focus is currently on improving communication between services and coordinating actions in such situations. At the same time, the local government is reviewing its internal response plans.

Deputy Executive Director of the Daugavpils City Council Karlis Rasis reported that a new version of the civil defense plan was approved last week. The document clarifies potential threats and actions of services in light of the current situation. According to Rasis, in the event of a threat to airspace, the leading role remains with the National Armed Forces.

In such situations, the local government is primarily responsible for informing residents, organizing the work of institutions, and mitigating consequences.

Particular attention is being paid to schools and kindergartens. The city is currently developing recommendations for ensuring the educational process under such conditions. However, final decisions — for example, on distance learning or changes in school operating hours — will be made by the civil defense commission in each specific case based on information from the NAF.

It is planned that even in the event of a threat, there will be duty staff in schools to receive children if necessary.

In fact, local governments in Latgale are beginning to prepare for situations that were recently considered unlikely.

After a series of incidents involving drones, civil defense issues and the operation of schools under potential threat have become part of the region's everyday agenda.

Daugavpils is also awaiting unified state recommendations on how local governments should act in such threats. A meeting with the Crisis Management Center is scheduled for this week, where these issues will be discussed at the national level.

Earlier, a similar action algorithm was approved in the Balvi region after further warnings from the cellular alert system.

In Latgale, it is increasingly emphasized that such situations may recur as long as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues and the risks of military drones appearing near the Latvian border remain.