Local authorities in Daugavpils are establishing a new system of actions for educational institutions to manage potential threats in the airspace. This initiative follows a series of drone-related incidents in the Latgale region, prompting a shift in how the city prepares for security emergencies.
Response to Regional Incidents
The development of these protocols was triggered by recent events in Latgale, including an incident in Rezekne where drones landed on the territory of an oil depot. In response, a civil defense commission was convened for both Daugavpils and the Augšdaugava region.
Daugavpils Vice Mayor Igor Prelatov noted that the current priority is to enhance coordination and communication between various services. The local government is simultaneously reviewing its internal response plans to better handle such situations.
Civil Defense and Command Structure
Karlis Rasis, the Deputy Executive Director of the Daugavpils City Council, stated that a revised version of the civil defense plan was approved last week. This document provides clarification on potential threats and the specific roles of various services.
According to Rasis, the National Armed Forces (NAF) maintain the leading role during airspace threats. The local government’s responsibilities focus on informing the public, organizing institutional operations, and mitigating the consequences of any incident.
Protections for Schools and Kindergartens
Special attention is being directed toward kindergartens and schools, with the city currently drafting recommendations to ensure the educational process can continue under threat conditions.
Decisions regarding changes to school operating hours or the implementation of distance learning will be made by the civil defense commission on a case-by-case basis, using information provided by the NAF. To ensure child safety, the city plans to have duty staff available at schools to receive children if necessary during a threat.
National Coordination and Future Outlook
Daugavpils is currently awaiting unified state recommendations to standardize how local governments respond to these threats. A meeting with the Crisis Management Center is scheduled for this week to discuss these issues at a national level.
Similar action algorithms have already been approved in the Balvi region following warnings from the cellular alert system. Local officials in Latgale emphasize that these situations may recur as long as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues and military drones remain a risk near the Latvian border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the primary responsibility during an airspace threat?
The National Armed Forces (NAF) hold the leading role, while the local government handles resident communication and institutional organization.
How will decisions about school closures or distance learning be made?
The civil defense commission will make these decisions in specific cases based on information provided by the NAF.
What caused the need for these new security measures in Daugavpils?
The measures were prompted by drone incidents in Latgale, including drones falling on an oil depot in Rezekne, linked to the ongoing war between Russia, and Ukraine.
How should cities balance the need for security preparations with the goal of maintaining a normal educational environment for children?
