RIGA, April 26 (LETA) - Following implementation of the administrative territorial reform (ATR), most municipalities in Latvia have prepared their civil protection plans, Interior Minister Marija Golubeva (Development/For) told journalists Tuesday.

The minister voiced confidence that the remaining municipalities will finish work on their civil protection plans by the end of May, providing precise response algorithms for people's movement and evacuation in case of a disaster. 

As reported, Latvia has been updating its civil protection plans in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

The government approved Latvia's current National Civil Protection Plan in 2020. This plan replaced the previous one adopted in 2011. 

The National Civil Protection Plan lists potential threats, authorities and officials in charge of responding to and dealing with disasters, early warning systems, information sharing platforms and crisis communication procedures. 

The National Civil Protection Plan changes the approach to disaster risk assessment and planning of management measures, such as less emphasis on institutional response and more on prevention and preparedness by services.  

The main task of the civil protection system is to ensure the safety of people, the environment and property by timely forecasting of possible threats, as well as to provide assistance to the victims of any disaster. The latest civil protection plan was supplemented with 35 potential threats identified by disaster management institutions.