Riga faces weeks of cleanup after 'Priska' storm, schools to reopen September 1

Riga is grappling with the extensive aftermath of 'Priska,' the most powerful summer storm to hit the city in decades, with municipal services anticipating several more weeks of cleanup operations. The storm, which brought winds exceeding 30 meters per second in some areas, left a trail of destruction, felling thousands of trees and causing widespread damage.

The immediate priority for Riga's services has been to address the most hazardous consequences of the storm. This includes sawing and removing fallen and dangerous trees from streets, parks, and cemeteries, as well as clearing trees that have fallen onto power lines and buildings. The sheer volume of debris, estimated in the thousands of trees, means that the cleanup will be a prolonged effort.

While the focus is currently on making areas safe, resources will eventually be redirected to the broader beautification of the capital. The storm's impact has been felt across dozens of educational institutions, with fallen trees causing the main damage. However, the city has assured that the operation of schools and kindergartens will not be affected, and the academic year will commence as planned on September 1.

Parents are advised that despite the reopening, some areas within school grounds may still be cordoned off due to the ongoing cleanup. The city is urging students to respect these boundaries. "Rīgas meži" (Riga Forests), a municipal company, reported that 353 trees were uprooted or broken in its managed parks and recreational areas, with an additional 126 suffering significant damage. Mežaparks was particularly hard-hit, with 45 trees damaged there alone.

The storm also caused significant disruptions to the power grid, initially cutting off electricity to approximately 277,000 customers. This led to further issues, including communication outages and the temporary closure of fuel stations and some shops. The city is working diligently to restore normalcy, but the scale of the damage necessitates a patient and systematic approach to recovery.