In July 2024, Jelgava, Latvia, experienced a catastrophic flood when a storm dropped three months’ worth of rain in just 24 hours, submerging parts of the city under up to a meter of water and causing over €13 million in damages. Traditionally prone to spring floods from snowmelt and ice jams, the region now faces a new threat—intensifying summer rainstorms linked to climate change. To address these risks, experts and local authorities are developing a Climate Change Adaptation Plan and an early warning system that uses forecasting models and citizen alerts. These measures, along with structural upgrades and nature-based solutions, aim to build long-term resilience for Zemgale’s communities.
The IMPETUS project is running till the end of 2025.