Minister warns storm compensation could reach record level

Storm damage compensation could reach a record level, and Latvia may seek assistance from the European Union, Smart Administration and Regional Development Minister Edgars Tavars said on Latvian Radio’s Krustpunktā programme, according to LSM.

The total cost of the damage caused by the storm experienced over the weekend has not yet been estimated. Tavars said the crisis had been a very costly lesson and that the possibility of seeking EU assistance could not be ruled out once the estimates became clearer.

The Cabinet is expected to decide on Tuesday, August 25, whether to extend the deadline for municipalities to submit information about the damage. Municipalities currently have three working days to report the damage, but the deadline is expected to be extended to 10 working days.

The extension would allow municipalities to complete the most urgent repair work before identifying the specific locations and addresses affected by the storm. They could then calculate the required funding and submit a request for funds to the government.