Cēsis and Valmiera seek backup communications after storm

Cēsis and Valmiera municipalities are working to establish alternative communications for crisis situations after the August storm, LSM reported. Valmiera has also created a prototype crisis headquarters to coordinate the work of the municipality, police, rescuers, the National Guard and other institutions in an emergency.

The model was developed primarily for situations involving a military threat, but coordinated action is also needed during other types of crises.

Storm damage in Vidzeme was smaller than in other parts of Latvia, but some areas of Cēsis municipality lost electricity and experienced communications disruptions. Inese Suija-Markova, deputy chair of the Cēsis municipal council, said Līgatne and the Pārgauja administrative unit were particularly affected, losing internet access, telephone communications and electricity.

Following the storm, Cēsis municipality compiled a list of urgent tasks, including accelerating the creation of resilience points across the municipality and providing alternative communications.

These resilience points will use radio systems and alternative communication channels such as satellite communications. Suija-Markova said the points would be equipped with Starlink systems and that a radio system had already been ordered, with the primary work due to be completed by the end of the year.

Valmiera municipality is also testing alternative communication tools. Council chair Jānis Baiks said one tool was being tested in September and another would be tested in October, allowing municipal officials to communicate with one another if regular communications failed.

The municipality has developed two options, including one using a transmitter installed by the municipality. Initial tests have shown that officials can communicate with one another without using mobile phones.

Valmiera municipality also considers volunteer firefighters important helpers in emergency situations.