Storm damage limits Skulte line trains to Saulkrasti

Train services on several Latvian lines are expected to return to schedule on Monday, August 24, but trains on the Skulte line will run only as far as Saulkrasti, LSM reported, citing rail operator Vivi.

Services on the Tukums, Jelgava, Aizkraukle, Sigulda, Daugavpils, Rēzekne and Liepāja lines are expected to resume according to the timetable after repairs to storm damage.

On the section between Saulkrasti and Skulte, buses will carry passengers and depart from Skulte according to the train timetable. Bus and train services will be coordinated, with trains waiting for delayed buses to ensure passenger transfers.

Train services between Saulkrasti and Skulte are expected to resume by 8 p.m. on August 24, once Latvijas dzelzceļš has completed repairs to the railway infrastructure and overhead contact network.

Some trains between Ieriķi and Valga may also be delayed because of power supply disruptions. Latvijas dzelzceļš plans to resolve those problems by 6 p.m. on August 24.

Vivi urged passengers to check the latest service information in its app and on the notices displayed on the homepage of vivi.lv. Passengers can call the company’s free 24 hour hotline on 8760.

Storm disrupted transport and power supplies

Latvia was hit by its strongest summer storm since at least 1966 during the night of August 23, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.

One person was killed when a new building collapsed in Jelgava. Several people were injured by falling trees and branches, while two firefighter rescuers were injured during rescue operations.

At the height of the storm, power supplies were disrupted for about 280,000 customers. Traffic lights stopped working in many places, while shops and fuel stations were closed and mobile communications were also disrupted.