Energy, Estonia, Latvia, Legislation, Transport

Yesterday, the government allowed for the possibility that several other regions might be included on the list, however, no additional changes were made. If weather conditions will continue to deteriorate and the situation in other regions will also become critical, the government will have to supplement the order with other regions, LETA was informed by Cabinet spokesman Aivis Freidenfelds.

Taking into account information from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center about weather conditions in Latvia since December 24 – continuous snowfall, thick snow blanket, ice and rain, as well as future weather forecasts, the state of emergency is declared 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.

Today Estonian state-owned energy company Eesti Energia expressed ability to help Latvia which is in grave difficulties due to abundant snowfalls, as Postimees Online reports on Friday.

Excessive snowing caused electrical malfunctions in Latvia.

Eesti Energia spokeswoman Marina Bachmann stated that their Latvian colleagues asked for the company's help.

"We are really willing to help them, taking into account that our colleagues in Latvia are really in a difficult situation doing all possible to liquidate the malfunctions," said Bachmann.

"Naturally we have to keep in mind that guaranteeing Estonian [electricity] supply safety remains the priority for us," she said.

Bachmann noted Thursday evening that there are around 500 emergency electricity supply malfunctions in Estonia which is a usual number for winter period, and the maximum power outages for Eesti Energia clients last a few hours.