From 18 to 22 August, the national civil protection exercise RADEX 2025 will take place in Riga and other parts of Latvia, during which various hazard scenarios related to the liquidation of chemical, biological, radioactive and oil spills, as well as the prevention of explosion consequences, will be played out.
The aim of the exercise is to test the preparedness and cooperation of institutions in emergency situations, to improve disaster management measures, and to test practical algorithms for dealing with large-scale emergencies. The training is organised by the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in cooperation with participating state and local government institutions, operational services, the National Armed Forces (NAF), non-governmental organisations, and volunteers.
On August 19, a radiological emergency drill will take place in Riga. The exercise will simulate inter-institutional information flow, radiation measurements in the environment in Latgale and Vidzeme region, and testing of cooperation between institutions.
On August 22, an exercise will be held in Mangaļsala in connection with possible oil pollution off the coast. The training will involve volunteers in the collection of oil products, and will test the cooperation between the SFRS, the State Environmental Protection Service, the State Police, the Riga Freeport Authority Port Police, the Riga Local Government and the World Wildlife Fund.
In addition, a separate training episode simulating a high-impact explosion is planned. The aim is to test the authorities' algorithms and operational response in the event of an incident. Detailed information is withheld for security reasons.
For the attention of the public: the emergency services will go to the practical training sites as to a real call, therefore SFRS invites the public to be understanding to the increased movement of emergency vehicles and possible temporary traffic restrictions at any of the exercise sites.
The SFRS points out that there is no reason for people to be alarmed, as the exercise will not endanger human health or life or cause pollution to the environment.
Further information: Ilze Dāme State Fire and Rescue Service Prevention and Public Information Unit, e-mail: ilze.dame@vugd.gov.lv
Information was prepared by Mārtiņš Vilemsons, Project Coordinator at External Communication Division of Riga Municipality Communication Department, phone: +371 26007509, e-mail: martins.vilemsons@riga.lv.