Riga outlines where to report storm-felled trees

Residents should call Latvia’s emergency number 112 about storm-felled trees and branches that pose an immediate danger, LSM reports. Non-hazardous fallen trees in Riga can be reported to the municipality’s 24-hour hotline or email service.

A storm is forecast across Latvia on Saturday, with the strongest wind damage expected along the Vidzeme coast of the Gulf of Riga, including Riga. Heavy rain could also cause local flooding.

When to call 112

Riga City Council said residents should call 112 if weather-related damage threatens people’s health or lives, communications or public transport.

The State Fire and Rescue Service also urges residents to immediately report broken objects, trees or branches that could create a danger and require urgent action.

Non-hazardous fallen trees

If a fallen tree does not pose a danger, residents should contact Riga’s municipal 24-hour hotline at 1201 or email [email protected].

Private property

If a tree has fallen on privately owned land, it must be photographed before it is removed. The photograph must be attached to an application informing Riga City Council’s City Development Department about the incident.

The application can be submitted through the municipal services portal at www.eriga.lv using the e-service titled “Application for receiving a tree-felling permit”. Residents can also email the completed form titled “Application for a permit to fell tree or trees growing outside a forest” to [email protected], or submit a free-form application to Dzirnavu iela 140, Riga, LV-1050. The information telephone number is 1201.

Apartment buildings

If a tree or large branch has fallen in the courtyard of an apartment building, near a public building or in the courtyard of a particular property, residents should contact the building or land manager. The owner or legal possessor must then contact the City Development Department.

If the building is managed by Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks, residents should contact the building manager with their report or call the company’s information hotline at 80008989. Reports can also be sent to [email protected].