The number of shelters in Riga in case of drone threats is four times lower than reported. But what is the reality? 0 15

In April of last year, the then head of the Civil Defense and Operational Information Department, Gints Reinsons, reported at a meeting of the Security, Order, and Corruption Prevention Committee that the capital's shelters could accommodate just over 200,000 residents.

Today, at a press conference, the committee's chairman, Girts Lapinš, acknowledged that the official shelters will be able to accommodate a much smaller number of residents.

Currently, the Riga municipality is implementing a project to create 146 shelters. The first shelters will be ready in August or September. In total, about 52,000 people will be able to find refuge in these shelters. The politician promised to do everything possible to increase the number of shelters.

Considering that most of these shelters are being equipped in educational institutions, residents should understand: if a threat arises during school hours, the shelters located in schools and kindergartens will be occupied by children and staff of the educational institutions, representatives of the municipality explained.

Lapinš only urged residents to familiarize themselves with the developed action algorithms in case of a threat and to identify potential places for refuge.

At the same time, he emphasized that there are currently no threats to Riga; however, given the situation in Latgale and other Baltic countries, preparations for such a possibility need to be made.