| 2011.01.07 13:16 |
rakstīt redaktoram 
printable  |
|
RIGA, Jan 6 (LETA) - During an emergency meeting today, the Cabinet of Ministers declared a nationwide state of emergency in regard to the prolonged power supply shortages in various regions of Latvia. Taking into account information from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center about weather conditions in Latvia since December 24 - prolonged snowing, thick snow cover, ice and rain, as well as future weather forecasts, the government decided to declare a state of emergency in 40 regions. These regions are: Rezekne Region, Vilani Region, Karsava Region, Cibla Region, Dagda Region, Kraslava Region, Preili Region, Livani Region, Ludza Region, Riebini Region, Aglonas Region, Zilupes Region, Daugavpils Region, Ilukste Region, Varkava Region, Jekabpils Region, Krustpils Region, Viesite Region, Akniste Region, Salas Region, Nereta Region, Koknese Region, Plavinas Region, Jaunjelgava Region, Ergli Region, Madonas Region, Cesvaine Region, Lubana Region, Varaklani Region, Skriveri Region, Aizkraukle Region, Amata Region, Ligatne Region, Vecpiebalga Region, Cesis Region, Priekuli Region, Jaunpiebalga Region, Rauna Region, Pargauja Region and Ventspils Region. Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis stressed to reporters previously that declaring the state of emergency would have no effect on the speed and volume of power supply restoration. The goal is to change the legal basis for the actions of emergency crews, for instance, clearing paths in private forests necessary for power line repairs. Ice-covered trees still pose the main threat to power lines, stressed Dombrovskis. Reports have also been received about more than a thousand trees that endanger traffic safety in Latgale Province (eastern Latvia). State Fire and Rescue Service Chief Aldis Lieljuksis informed that the situation was deteriorating. Meteorologists have forecast rain and wet snow for the coming days, which may affect the situation also in other regions across Latvia. Joint-stock power utility company "Latvenergo" head Aris Zigurs said that the situation in Latgale was very serious and hard to tackle. Clearing paths in forests is a Sisyphean task, as the cleared paths are filled with snow again each night. "Latvenergo" crews have been working without a break for a second week already, to little or no avail, which is why help will be sought from logging companies that could assist greatly in clearing roads and paths in forests. The worst situation is currently in Rezekne Region, where medium voltage power distribution system has almost been destroyed. Zigurs also informed that "Latvenergo" had requested help from Lithuanian and Estonian colleagues. Zigurs said that "Latvenergo" had enough of electricians, and fallen trees was the main problem at the moment. As reported, Latvia has been experiencing a series of power outages since end-December due to the heavy snow. For the first time during the past several days, the number of "Latvenergo's" clients who still remain without power has reduced to under 10,000, "Latvenergo" spokesman Andris Siksnis informed LETA. Today at 2 p.m. 9,100 clients were experiencing power outages. Jānis Bagātais LETA
| |
